Donna Lee Schaefer

We are greatly saddened by the passing of Donna Lee Schaefer, age 61, of Ingleside, IL (formerly of Wildwood, IL), on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. She passed at home with family by her side, after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Donna was born in Belleville, IL on June 27, 1962 to Donald and Oralle Bradley, and grew up for many years in Lebanon, IL with her sister Dee-Dee. Donna graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in May 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in marketing. While there, she met her husband Don. They were happily married on March 30, 1985, enjoying many wonderful years together.

Donna worked for the Woodland Community School district for 23 years, first as a substitute teacher, and then as a paraprofessional for the early childhood structured program. For many years, Donna enjoyed working at the Hallmark store, where she embraced many friendships, and loved organizing the Christmas ornament events. In her freetime, she enjoyed completing crosswords. She always had a love for food and trying new places, especially supper clubs. Donna had such a caring and compassionate personality that will be missed by so many. Donna cherished time with her family and she would travel many miles to see them any chance she got. She was a great mom to her two sons, and most of all, loved being with her three grandchildren. Donna would spend every second she possibly could caring for them, and of course spoiling them to no end.

Donna is survived by her husband Donald S. Schaefer; her two sons Donald “DJ” (Annie) of Pflugerville, TX, and Dillon (Kimberly) of Kaukauna, WI; and her three young grandchildren Levi, Maddox, and Savannah, who were the world to her. In addition, she is survived by her sister Dee-Dee (Eric) Wahlstrom, of Parker, CO, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives from all over the country. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Oralle Bradley.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 15th from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 Cemetery Road, Gurnee IL. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm. There will be a burial service the next day Friday, February 16th 10:30 am. at East Fox Lake Cemetery, 24306 Old Monaville Road, Lake Villa, IL.

We wish to thank the Northwestern Medicine Oncology team, as well as the staff at Star hospice, for their dedication and compassion through these hard times.

Donations can be made in Donna’s memory to the American Cancer Society and Save a Pet of Grayslake.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MarshFuneralHome.com for the Schaefer family.