Donna M. Sterr, age 89, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Aspirus Sacred Heart Hospital. A dairy farmer’s daughter and the oldest of seven children, Donna was born in Lomira, Wis., on Jan. 16, 1933, to the late Harvey and Dorothy (Nebel) Luedtke. She was married to the love of her life, Ronald Sterr, on June 20, 1953; he survives.
Donna was a dedicated homemaker who lovingly raised her children. Over the years, she volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader and found great joy in helping others. She loved spending summers on the family farm with her parents and loved watching her children play and talk to all of the animals just as she did as a young child. Donna enjoyed bowling and going to state tournaments with her team and loved playing sheephead. She was the owner and operator of the successful Tomahawk women’s clothing store, Friends and Fashions, from 1974 to 1991, which was located in the historic Newborg Building. An additional store location was later opened in Minocqua, Wis. Ronald and Donna enjoyed traveling, frequently visiting California and Florida, and wintered in Las Vegas. Donna affectionately referred to those she loved and cared about as “dear hearts” and even those whose names she couldn’t remember and cared about were still referred to as “dear hearts.” She truly adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Ronald Sterr; her daughter, Rhonda Kaplanek; her son, Gary (Gwen) Sterr; and her grandchildren, Stephanie Kaplanek, Andy (Lu) Kaplanek, Michael Kaplanek, Joey Kaplanek, Jenna (Jorna) Sterr, and Jamie Sterr. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren, Kayden, Sofia, and Layla.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Dorothy; her children, Terry Jacobs and Scott Sterr; and her siblings, Denese Byington, Randy Luedtke, Joel Luedtke, Leon Luedtke, Diane Luedtke, and Darlene Gampka.
Funeral Services for Donna Sterr will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 12 p.m. at the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Mark Gass will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 12 p.m. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Donna’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.