Donna A. Tyggum

Donna A. Tyggum (nee Johnson), made Heaven a little more crowded on June 6, 2026 at the age of 84.

Loving mother of Nancy (Mark) Terrian, and grandmother of Gabriela, Alexandra, John, Joshua, Amy and Anna. Further survived by her sister Doreen (Randy), brother Don (Renee), and many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband Carl of 64 loving years; her son, David; her parents John Howard and Arlene Johnson; her step-father Robert Johnson; her siblings Joan, John, Howard and Duane Johnson;

Donna got her Associate’s Teaching degree from University of Wisconsin Whitewater, and was a member of Tri Sigma sorority, where she met Carl on a blind date. During college she was a cheerleader, and after college coached girl’s tennis at Wauwatosa East High School. Donna was a member of the Elm Grove Women’s Club and Elm Grove Tennis Club, with many fond memories of playing with her ladies team the “Piggies.”  She channeled her creativity into her hobbies–gardening, needlepointing, and later in life, working at Ace Hardware and owning her own wallpapering business–eventually becoming a proud member of the Guild of Professional Wallpaper Hangers. She loved giving back to the community through her talents with service projects such as decorating the Ronald McDonald house and building tiny homes.

Donna was a lifelong member of Elmbrook Church. She was involved in women’s and couple’s Bible studies.  She was a great woman of faith and loved Jesus.  One of her well-known sayings was “shine your light,” which she did every day of her life.  She had a large impact on many throughout her life.

Donna’s greatest joys were her grandchildren.  She was so proud of them, and loved to watch and support them compete and excel in their sporting events.

Donna will always be loved, remembered, a part of our lives, and missed dearly.

Special thank you to Franciscan Place and the Lutheran Home, who cared for Donna over the past two and a half years of her life.

A time for visiting will be held at Elmbrook Church, 777 South Barker Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin from 12:30 PM– 2:00 PM. Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.  Reception will follow at church.

Memorial donations may be made to Elmbrook Church or the Ronald McDonald House.