Donna J. Hill
PORTAGE – Donna J. Hill, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The daughter of Herbert D. Walsh and Arvilla Hilbert Walsh was born on October 14, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The family moved to Portage, Wisconsin, in 1934. A 1948 graduate of Portage High School, she attended UW Madison for a semester before marrying Gale K. Hill on February 12, 1949. They lived in Pardeeville until 1963 when they moved to Portage. She was a member of the Pardeeville and Portage Curling Clubs. Gale and Donna were avid curlers, winning many bonspiels. She served two terms as president of the Portage Curling Club Tartans, and served as chairman of the Wisconsin State Badger Bonspiels held in Portage. Donna was a long-time member of the Portage Country Club, where she served as president of the woman’s association. Donna enjoyed her time as a member of the Portage Civic League. Donna was a charter member of the Wauona Trail Women’s Club and welcome wagon for ten years.
In 1982, Donna and Gale decided to spend their winter in Florida. Donna, being a very social person, organized many social gatherings at Bonita Beach Club. Gale and Donna enjoyed golfing at Spanish Wells and at Pelican Nest golf clubs in Bonita Springs. In 1993, they moved off the beach to Lakemont Cove. Donna was social chairman at Lakemont Cove. They enjoyed fun times and made many lasting friendships.
Donna is survived by her beloved daughters; Pamela (Richard) Dodd, Christy (Michael) Hurd, grandchildren; Kristin (Russell) Maass, Michael (Trisha) Dodd, Nicholas (Beth) Hurd and Lindsay (Brad) Hudzinski, great grandchildren; Madison and Jaxson Maass, Oliver and Clara Dodd, Tuck and Blake Hurd, Dylan Hudzinski and her sister-in-law; Joanne Walsh.
She is preceded in death by her husband; Gale K. Hill, her son; Gary Hill, her parents, brother; Herbert Walsh, in-laws; Art and Jean Hill, brother and sister-in-law; Kent and Joann Hill, Joyce Walsh and many dear friends.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at United Methodist Church in Portage. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday, August 24, 2026. A luncheon will follow. Inurnment will be private, held at Silver Lake Cemetery in Portage.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorials may be made to Portage United Methodist Church, Portage Food Pantry, or an organization of your choice.
Our family wishes to thank Dr. Gerald Krumpos and the Columbia County Healthcare Center who went above and beyond to help us during this difficult time.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.
