DeForest

Donna Jean Slotten, aged 88, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. She was born November 24, 1927 in Paoli, the daughter of Albert and Cecilia (Kalscheur) Walford. She grew up on the family farm on Range Trail in Paoli. She was proud to marry World War II Combat Veteran, Robert S. Slotten, on September 4, 1948; enjoying over 40 years of marriage together and raising their 7 children in their family home of 40 years on the North Side of Madison. She was both a boy and girl scout troop leader for all of her children throughout the years, never missed a little league game or high school sporting event, volunteered her time in concessions for many years in the East Madison Little League and in the office at St. Peter Church. Robert passed away in 1989. She was a caring, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and placed her family above all else.

Donna was a devoted homemaker for almost 30 years, before going to work at American Cancer Society, where she worked for over 15 years. Upon her retirement, she joined the Good Sam Camping Club and spent many years camping with the numerous lifelong friends she made. She was also a devoted daughter to her mom, taking care of Grandma Walford, who lived to be 97 years old and lived with Donna for a while near the end of her long life. Donna moved to DeForest in 2007 and spent her remaining years close to many family members and enjoying the company of the new friends she made. She had a great sense of humor, enjoyed playing cards, especially with her grandkids, reading, traveling; if you gave her a chance to go on an adventure, she was grabbing her purse waiting for you at the door; sewing, cooking and baking for holiday family gatherings she so loved to host.

Donna is survived by 5 children, Kathy (Pete) Kurt of Morrisonville, Barb (Larry) Christenson of Charlotte, MI, Jim (Patti Lattanzio) Slotten of Ridgeway, Bob (Barb) Slotten of Buffalo Grove, IL and Judy (John) Bayer of DeForest; grandchildren, Rick, Julie, Karen, Kevin, Lisa, Adam, Matt, Hannah, Christina, Michael, Kaitlyn, Beth, Sam, Lauren, Cole and Luke; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joyce; two nieces; three nephews and their families; cousins and numerous other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; daughter, Connie; son, Philip; grandson, Daniel; brother, Donald; mother and father-in-law, Sam and Alice Slotten; daughter-in-law, Bekki; and sister-in-law, Betty.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oakwood Village East Rehabilitation Center for their care of Mom and dedication to the goal of getting her home again. The family would also like to thank the friends and neighbors at Jefferson Square for all they have done to help Mom over the years. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of two family members this week. Thank you for all of the love and support we have received.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, with Msgr. Charles Schluter presiding. Luncheon at Church will follow Mass. Private burial will follow luncheon at St. Williams Catholic Cemetery in Paoli. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, January 25, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest and again on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

“May God keep you in his care until we meet again. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever. We love you!”

Donna Slotten

November 24, 1927 - January 20, 2016

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