Donna Welch was born May 9, 1932, on a farm on Highway 11, west of Delavan, Wisconsin to Donald and Mary (Anderson) Hurdis. She passed away at her home in Janesville, WI. She married James Robert Welch on September 22, 1951, who passed away in 2001. Donna graduated from Delavan High School in 1950, and enjoyed frequent gatherings with her classmates from the class of 1949 and 1950. Donna worked as a bank teller in Sharon and Rosemount, MN, as well as a secretary for the Miracle Workers in Burnsville, MN. She left southern Wisconsin in 1968 to relocate to Apple Valley, MN. They moved to Janesville, WI in 1990. From the early 1990’s until 2008, she and Jim enjoyed much of the year in Surprise, AZ at Sunflower RV resort. Donna was a member of Cargill United Methodist Church and was part of various church committees. She was a member and past president of Cedar Crest Auxiliary. Donna was an active member of the Janesville YMCA from 2001 to 2016. Early every morning, Monday through Saturday, Donna could be found at the Y and actively participated in various activities as she was able. In later years, the highlight of her day was a trip to the hot tub and coffee with her Y friends. Donna was an avid sports fan. She was a devoted Badger fan and loved Badger football and basketball. Until her health prevented her attendance, Donna was at every football home game. She was the life of every tailgate and was a well-loved member of Section A, Row 37! When she was able, she was an avid bowler and golfer and competed in leagues for both. She was especially proud of being a volunteer at the Phoenix Open. In later years, she spent many hours watching golf on TV. During retirement, Donna became a swimmer; first learning to swim properly and then competing annually in the Arizona Senior Olympics. One of her proudest achievements was becoming the gold medal winner in the one mile women's freestyle. There were no strangers in Donna’s life, only friends she had yet to meet. She always had a smile and kind word, and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, family member and friend.

Donna is survived by her children, their families, and a sister. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Marjorie Pagel.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, July 17, 2017 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Toynton’s Sharon Funeral Home, 210 Baldwin, Sharon, WI and again on Tuesday at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Sharon Township. Memorials to Cargill United Methodist Church, Janesville, WI or Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon, WI.