Donna J. Block

Donna Jean Block, age 95 of Shawano, formerly of Richland Center, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at The Cottages in Shawano.

Donna was born on July 1, 1930 in Iowa, the daughter of Francis and Malinda (Schmidt) Sullivan. She lived for Sunday dinners, especially the Sullivan chicken dinners. Donna was united in marriage to Elbert Block on August 1, 1949 in Bryant, Iowa. Together they farmed in Iowa, Fort Atkinson, and the Markesan area before moving to Richland Center, where they retired from farming and built their log home with their sons. A hard worker, she also held many jobs off the farm to help support the family.

Donna was a great cook and always knew who would appreciate her separating onions out of meals. She enjoyed snowmobiling and riding motorcycles with Elbert and loved spending time with her family. She was a devout Catholic who always said the rosary.

Donna is survived by her children, Sue Klawitter of Markesan, Bob (Leah) Block of Shawano, Joe (Tina) Block of Richland Center, Connie (David) Wanless of Richland Center, Mary (Jeff) Wanless of Richland Center, Anita (Pat) Keegan of Richland Center, and Sandy Gough of Cross Plains; daughters-in-law, Sharon Block of Marshalltown, Iowa and Irene Block of Wonewoc;

31 grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren, and 57 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert, Marcel, Kaye, Agnes, Linda, Audrey, and Pat; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elbert; sons James, Dennis, Randy, and Rodney Block; daughter-in-law, Kris Block; sons-in-law, Bud Klawitter and Brian Gough; grandchildren, Tony Block, Allen Block, Heidi Gayler, and Kenny Block; great-great-granddaughter, Na’Kyla Neeley; and other relatives.

Visitation for Donna will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Holy Family Parish) in Markesan from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Markesan Memorial Cemetery.