Donna Mae Schomberg

Donna Mae Schomberg: Passing into New Life of Light, Truth, Love and Life Eternal.

Donna Mae Schomberg passed peacefully into New Life on February 18th surrounded by Faith, Family and Friends, her three greatest treasures during her 94 years of life on earth.

Donna was born on February 22, 1932 to Effie and Anker Knudson in West Salem Wisconsin on a small farm in Larson Coulee. Donna learned to love the country, exploring the hills and streams and while walking to school.

Early in childhood, it was clear she loved learning, especially musical learning. During her school years, Donna was gifted to create music too: With her soprano voice, playing piano, or the baritone horn in the high school band.

In High School, Donna Knudson became friends with William Schomberg. Bill knew the way to Donna’s heart. One Christmas, he gave two kittens to Donna as gift. It was effective! The strong friendship grew into an enduring love, marriage and family.

Donna and Bill invested in their Faith, their farm family of six children, and many lifelong friends. The Faith and values of their parents, Effie and Anker Knudson & Violet and Melvin Schomberg, were also followed by Donna and Bill throughout their 67 years of marriage and family.

Donna’s profession was to be a school teacher. Before and after marrying Bill, she taught at Neshonoc Grade School, all 8 grades on one room! Soon after, during the Korean Conflict, Bill served his Country in the US Army, and Donna had to manage the young family. After a few years, Bill was back at home with Donna, building the family farm. And growing the family with the Blessings of Colleen, Doug, Cheryl, Tom, Marla, and Wade. Being “Mom” was Donna’s next career.

Donna still managed to find time to enjoy her love of music. She sang in Church Choirs and at special events. She directed Children’s Church Choirs and 4-H Musicals. Donna encouraged her children to learn music and all played instruments. Donna often accompanying her children on the piano as they played their instruments during solo musical competitions.

Bill and Donna enjoyed success building Octagon Farms, but the greater success was instilling in their children the values they learned from their parents: Respectful behavior, the importance of education, appreciating the returns from hard work, the value of family and friends. And most importantly, Love for…and Faith in the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

After many years of hard work, Bill and Donna could finally retire, relax, and travel. They enjoyed trips with friends to Germany, China, Mexico. They also spent a month traveling by Camper into the wonders of Alaska.

But Apache Junction, AZ was their happy place during many winters. At Apache Junction they developed great friendships and said goodbye to too many of them.

Great joys were always present during holidays, weddings, the births of 20  grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. And of course, Donna’s beloved cats gave her great happiness. Rarely a day went by without a cat by Donna’s side.

Donna is survived children Colleen Mulder, Doug and Sue (Hermans) Schomberg, Cheryl (Schomberg) and Steve Sprecher, Tom and Nancy (Molitor) Schomberg, Son in-law Bob Uebele, Wade and Kris (Tollefson) Schomberg, Sister in-law Harriet Knudson, 19 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded into New Life by her husband Bill, daughter Marla (Schomberg) Uebele, grandson David Schomberg, son-in-law Robert Mulder, and granddaughter-in-law Catherine Mulder, parents Effie (Hulberg) and Anker Knudson, parents-in-law Violet (Schild) and Melvin Schomberg, sister Eloise (Knudson) and brother-in-law Don Foy, brother Merlin Knudson, parents-in-law Violet (Schild) and Melvin Schomberg, sister-in-law Mary (Schomberg) and brother in law Gene Drecktrah, sister-in-law Carol (Schomberg) and brother-in-law Gary Indahl, brother- in-law Fred and sister-in-law Betty (Anderson) Schomberg.

A celebration life and Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Barre Mills on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Pastor Andrew Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be offered to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Barre Mills, WI.

The Family would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to Agrace Hospice Nurse and family friend Matt Hammes and care team, Miranda, Lindsey, Liz and Mary, and special thanks to Pastor Andrew Schultz and Pastor Mark Rieke.