Obituary of Donna L. Esser

Donna L. Esser (nee Donlevy), of Waukesha, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, May 21, 2021 at the age of 85. Donna was born on January 20, 1936 in Oconto, WI, the daughter of Austin and Agnes Donlevy. On May 9, 1964, Donna married the love of her life, Frank Esser. She was a longtime member at St. William Catholic Church.

Donna worked at Johnson Controls as a secretary in the early 1960’s where she met Frank Esser, fell in love, married and raised their family in Waukesha.  Later, Donna worked at Red Carpet Lanes in Waukesha as the head of Day Care until she retired.  Donna will be remembered for her cooking and baking, especially her Christmas cookies.

Donna will be missed by her children, Kevin (Barbara) Esser, Steven (Teresa) Esser, and Susan Esser, grandchildren, Emily, Megan, Erin, and Sarah, and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Bernard, and sisters, Caroline Koehler and Annabelle Pawlowski.

The visitation for Donna will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188. The Rev. Matthew Widder will be officiating. The entombment will immediately follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.