Donna Jean Klein

Donna Jean Klein (nee Flanagan) died peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 93.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Don Klein; and her parents, Arthur and Leone Flanagan; and her sisters, Aileen Fritz, and Joan Nelzen.

She is survived by her sister and life-long confidant, Nancy Flanagan; and by her 6 children and their families, Mark (Maria) Klein of Camas, WA, Margaret (Glen) Boettcher of Townsend, WI, Debbie (Bob “Oscar”) Meyer of Grand Marais, MN, Daniel (Lisa) Klein of Eagle, WI, Bill (Lisa) Klein of Lac Du Flambeau, WI, Thomas (Judy) Klein of Wauwatosa, WI.

She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren, Ciara Hopkins, Raya Vardy, Evan Klein, Lucas Boettcher, Anna Boedeker, Erica Mangle, Melly Coronado, Eric Klein, Monica Schultz, Abbe Klein, Molle Twing, Willie Klein, Sam Klein, Harrison Klein, and Natalie Klein.

In addition, she is survived by her 15 great-grandchildren, Revan Hopkins, Noa Vardy, Theodore Boettcher, Penelope Boedeker, Elle Boedeker, Jack Boedeker, Kevin Mangle, Bennett Mangle, Madison Coronado, Olivia Klein, Hudson Klein, Margo Schultz, Mac Schultz, Hazel Twing, and Arthur Twing.

She was born on May 4, 1933, in Berlin, WI and lived, worked, and played on the family farm up until college. As a member of the Flanagan family, she strongly valued education being surrounded by her parents and three other sisters that were all teachers. Donna graduated from UW-Madison with a BS degree in Education and received her MS degree in Education from Marian University. She taught middle and high school in Whitnall School District for 25 years and at Alverno Women’s College for five years. Donna had an enormously generous heart exemplified by her 15 years of service as a hospice volunteer. Don and Donna, and later Nancy, traveled the world together as Road Scholars. The last several years at Heritage Senior Living have been another phase of her life and one of wonderful friendships and happy times.

Donna’s parents imprinted upon her unwavering Catholic values, an impeccable work ethic, and a deep and loving devotion to family. Both Donna and Don were stellar role models and proud that their children enthusiastically love God, country and family. Many considered Donna the quintessential “agricultural Irish women”! She espoused that the principal responsibility of a parent is to give children “roots and wings” and she indelibly transferred this concept to her children and grandchildren.

She cared deeply about her grandchildren’s lives and made each one feel important. She didn’t miss a single graduation, called to check in on exams and jobs and marriages and babies, and put immense effort into teaching them about their family history and lineage. She was an enthusiastic conversationalist and loved talking for hours over a glass or two or three of wine.

She made fast friends everywhere she went, she sewed, she read, she wrote, she gardened, she cooked, she swam, she memorized poems, she hosted parties, she laughed almost as loudly as she sneezed and she exuded joy. We will miss her dearly.

Gathering on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at St Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church, W280N21 Prospect Avenue, Pewaukee, Wisconsin, from 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM. Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Donna will be given to charity of the family’s choosing.