Obituary: Donna Marie Parkansky

Donna Marie Parkansky, age 60, passed suddenly on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at St. Vincent Hospital. Donna was born February 15, 1964 to the late Donald and Jane (Hennessy) Kalies in Manitowoc, WI. She attended St. Michaels grade school and graduated with the class of 1982 from Reedsville High School. Her siblings, Debbie, Danny and Doriann remember Donna as being a very caring big sister who went out of her way to care for others especially her younger sister Dori. They had many fond memories of camping and showing horses. After high school, Donna attended Silverlake College where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in fine/studio arts and general graphic design.

In 1987, Donna married Kevin Haese of Brillion, WI. Together they had their five amazing children, Donnie, Meghan, Kaitlyn, Erin and Patrick. Donna’s children were the pride and joy of her life. While raising her children, she obtained her degree in special education and started teaching at Brillion High School. She continued her love of learning by obtaining her Master’s degree in educational leadership. Amidst all of her work and studies, she made her children a priority. She continued to attend all of her kids’ sporting events, drama and choir shows, band recitals, and any other events they were involved in. She loved creating the sets for many of the school musicals and getting involved in school clubs.

Donna had a true passion for helping children learn and grow. She worked primarily within special education and found a real love for those she taught. She combined her love of art and teaching by introducing art therapy to her students, particularly during her time at Sturgeon Bay High School. Her passion for helping those around her is evident by how she would often welcome other children into her home during difficult times in their lives. She saw them as her adopted children.

After Donna and Kevin parted ways, Donna met the love of her life, Steve Parkansky. Steve and Donna built a beautiful life together full of her passion for art and his for fishing and hunting. Together they enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, building their dream home and experiencing life together. Donna expressed great joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren always had fun at their “Nina’s” house.

Donna is survived by her husband: Steve Parkansky, her children: (stepchild) Donald Haese (Maureen Riordan-Haese), Meghan (Robert) Withrow, Kaitlyn (Mike) Krepline, Erin Haese, Patrick Haese, Amber Nohlechek; her grandchildren and step grandchildren Carson Krepline, Donald Riordan-Haese, Taron Riordan-Haese, Declynn Riordan-Haese, Ava Withrow, Natalie Kusba, Nathaniel Kusba, Mason Brittich, and Jaxon Brittich; her siblings: Debbie (Rob) Hohman, Daniel (Kristie) Kalies, Doriann Kalies, and Nagulinie (Ravi) Shukla.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents Donald and Jane Kalies.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kellnersville.  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Bill O’Brien with burial to take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Whitelaw.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Maple Grove, 7497 St. Pat’s Rd.  Visitation will continue on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to put towards burials costs.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements