Donna Kolbeck

Donna Kolbeck, 69, of Wausau passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Ministry St. Clare's Hospital, Weston after a 15 year battle with myelo dysplastic syndrome. Donna will be remembered for always having a smile on her face even when her illness made it difficult, and inspired many with her attitude.
She was born July 4, 1945 in Wausau to the late Andrew and Viola (Geurink) Hettinga. After graduating in 1963 from D.C. Everest High School, Donna attended St. Mary's School of Nursing in Wausau. She began her career as a registered nurse at Wausau Hospital North where she was part of Wausau's first open heart surgery care team. She also worked at Pine Crest Nursing Home and VNA Home Health Care.
On April 19, 1967, Donna married Robert Kolbeck in Wausau. They had four girls, Sara, Amy, Ann, and Kara. Donna was an amazing cook and loved taking care of her family. She enjoyed birds and flowers, reading, collecting antiques and china, knitting and crocheting. Donna donated over a thousand crocheted baby blankets to new mothers through the Marathon County Health Dept. She was a good example of having confidence in her faith, a strong work ethic, the value of a positive attitude, and love of family.
Survivors include her husband, Bob, of Wausau, three daughters, Amy (Brad) Hodgeman of Poynette, Ann (Chris) MacAdams of Minneapolis, Kara (Joel) Craven of Mt. Horeb, six grandchildren, Kaden, Corbin, Rylan, Kellan, Carter and Nalia, brother, Vern (Sherry) Hettinga of Grand Rapids, MI, sister-in-law, Diane Thompson, of Anderson, IN and nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Sara, and brother, Roger Hettinga.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.