Donna Mae Hessler, 94, Park Falls

July 11, 2024 4:03 PM CDT

Dona Mae Hessler, age 94, of Park Falls, died on Wednesday July 10, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.  She was born on July 22, 1929, the daughter of Charles J. and Norma A. (Peterson) Herbst.   Her early life and schooling were in Park Falls and Fifield.  Dona moved to Milwaukee and earned her master’s degree in nursing from Marquette University.  She was the Director of Nursing for Oak Forest Hospital in Cook County, IL for many years.  After her retirement she returned to Park Falls.  Dona enjoyed traveling with her friends, downhill skiing, reading her nursing journal magazines, her Friday lunches at The Lanes, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, genealogy, holidays and summer barbecues at the lake.  She most of all enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at The Waterford. 

She is survived by her (5) nieces and nephews: Steven (Carol) Herbst of Arden Hills, MN, Richard J. Herbst of Park Falls, Leslie (Terry) Haney of Butternut, Amy (Curtiss) Shattuck of Scandia, MN, and Michele (Phillip Davis) Wallerstein of Duluth, MN, her sister-in-law Gloria Herbst of Park Falls, and many great-nieces & nephews, and (2)great-great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Richard C. Herbst.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls on Tuesday July 23, 2024, at 11:00am.  Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate.

Interment will follow at Forest Home Cemetery in Fifield.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday at the church from 10:00am until the hour of the service.

Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.