Donna J. Blackbourn

FENNIMORE - Donna J. Blackbourn, age 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Riverside Transitional Care in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was born on March 3, 1931, in Lancaster, Wisconsin to Donald and Gladys (Muender) Pettera. Donna was united in marriage to Roger Blackbourn in May of 1950 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church.

Donna graduated from Fennimore High School where she proudly played drums in the school band. She continued her education at Southwest Technical College, earning a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. Following the untimely passing of her husband, she moved to Florida in 1978, where she worked as a CNA and housekeeper. There she met her “second family,” Lilibet Stern Iken and her two children, Nick and Savannah. In the early 2000s, Donna moved back to Fennimore to be closer to family and friends. While in Fennimore, she never missed her morning stop at Timothy’s Café and also loved spending time at other great local establishments like the Cottage Bakery and Friederick’s Family Restaurant. No matter where she went, everyone was a friend. Five years ago, Donna moved to La Crosse to be near her son, Mark.

Donna found great joy in her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those close to her share tender memories of her amazing cooking, including her beloved pasties; her fondness for live music, especially those songs sung by her great-grandchildren; and her stories of good times with people special to her, like her dear friends Mary Briehl and Elsie Klaas.

Her family cherished their visits and celebrations with her until the very end, which included a lively and joyful 95th birthday celebration at the beginning of March. Donna was an exceptionally strong, kind, and spirited woman who would help anyone in need. She lived a beautiful, full life, one that has and will continue to provide inspiration for those who carry on her legacy.

Donna is survived by her son, Mark (Jan) Blackbourn of Cashton; 10 grandchildren: Katie, Emily, and Adam Blackbourn, Marty (Heidi) O’Meara, Corey O’Meara, Nick (Emily) Blackbourn, Jay (Amanda) Blackbourn, Garrick (Kassi) Olerud, Collin (Natasha) Olerud, and Alleck (Holly) Olerud; 23 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Kim Blackbourn and her family of Richland Center; former daughter-in-law Jill Blackbourn of La Crosse; and niece Krista (Todd) Fortman and nephew Gregg (Stacie) Dempsey.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger; son and daughter-in-law Tom “Rocky” and Donita “Blondie” Blackbourn; and sister and brother-in-law Joan and Barry Dempsey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter.

Immediately following the service, everyone is invited for food and fellowship in the church hall.