Donna Lawrence

FORT WINNEBAGO TOWNSHIP – Donna Lawrence, age 83, of Shell Lake, Wisconsin passed away very peacefully with loved ones holding her hands then releasing her into her loving Savior’s arms on December 22, 2025. (John 3:16)

On November 25, 2025, Donna was sadly diagnosed with advanced aggressive pancreatic cancer and came home to live out her final weeks at the home of her oldest daughter and son-in-law in Portage, Wisconsin under the tender care of who she lovingly called her four girls with the assistance of Agrace Hospice.

Donna was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on January 29, 1942, to Carl and Ruby (Lauritsen) Erickson. Most of her young life was growing up in the farming community of Timberland, WI. She was involved in 4H and confirmed at the Timberland Ringebu Lutheran Church. At the age of 16, she married the handsome 17-year-old boy from up the road. Together they worked hard to raise their four girls. Later, they moved to Madison where she and Roger owned and operated D & R Construction Co., above all she was a mother and homemaker. In 2001, they retired and built a new home near their old stomping grounds by Sarona, WI. They became members of Shell Lake Northwoods Baptist Church where Donna served as secretary/treasurer for seven years.

On March 14, 2019, Roger would go on before his wife after living out his last weeks in the same room as Donna at their daughter’s home. Again, with all four of their girls by his side. Donna would soon move into Glenview Assisted Living in Shell Lake, WI, for a couple of years until she was diagnosed.

Missing her are her daughters, Terri (Kenny) Krizan, Shery (Greg) Smith, Tammy (Chris) Klohn, and Shannon (Doug) Grenier; 14 grandchildren, Michelle Christensen, Isaiah (Krissi) Krizan, Tasha (Jon) Crawford, Rick (Rachel) Krizan, Shawna (Chad) Rhyner, Nathan (Stephanie) Smith, Matt (Rose) Smith, Joe Smith, Carson (Josie) Klohn, Hannah (Mitch) Watson, Garrett Klohn, Corbin (Rachel) Grenier, Gavin Grenier, and Jayden Grenier; 16 great-grandchildren with number 17, Colter Corbin Grenier, due December 31st; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Carla Donatell and Verdell (Larry) Schwab; and a brother, Lee (Nancy) Erickson. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, Carl and Ruby Erickson; and great-grandson, Maddox Krizan.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice along with family and special friends who brought meals, sang, loved and prayed all of us through this short sad journey. To care for those who once cared for us, is one of the highest honors.  We will love you forever, Mom.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church, in Portage, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with Pastor William McCoy and Pastor Jeremy Edmondson officiating. Burial will be private at Shell Lake Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.