Donna Mae Rupnow, 92 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Agrace Hospice Care, Inc in Fitchburg, WI with family members by her side. She was born on her family farm in New Glarus on May 10, 1931, the daughter of Clarence and Minnie (Adeline) Reuter.  She graduated from New Glarus High School in 1949 and then went to Green County Normal College to be a country school teacher, but never used her teaching degree.  Instead, she married Stan Rupnow on June 14, 1953, concentrating on raising their family and helping Stan in his various businesses and farming ventures.  Donna worked as a secretary at a law firm for Attorney Pete Waltz and later in life she enjoyed working as a teacher's aide for the New Glarus School District.

Donna loved to cook and bake and even won a local pie-baking contest with her apple pie.  In her younger years she was an avid golfer and twice had the thrill of getting a hole-in-one at Edelweiss Golf Course.  Donna was a faithful, long-time member of Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus.  She had a beautiful voice and sang in the church choir for many years. She also went on two mission trips to Mexico and enjoyed supporting the missions of the church.  Donna was a compassionate and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who demonstrated her faith through her words and actions to those around her.  She was a great inspiration to many people because of her perseverance through the storms of life.

Donna is survived by her grandson, Erik Averbeck; brother, Russ (Marie) Reuter; sister, Sandra Frontzak; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Don (Jeanette) Rupnow; sister-in-law, Mary Austin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence; mother, Adeline; husband, Stan; daughter, Jeanne Rupnow; son, Mark Rupnow; daughter, Cindy Averbeck; maternal & paternal grandparents; brother-in-law, Donald Austin; and mother-in-law & father-in-law, William (Alice) Rupnow.

Special thanks to the doctors and staff at the UW Hospital, Agrace Hospice, and the New Glarus EMS and to the many friends and neighbors for their kindness to Donna.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Swiss United Church of Christ, the New Glarus EMS, or Agrace Hospice Care, Inc.

Per Donna's wishes, a private graveside service will be held at the New Glarus Cemetery. The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home is assisting the family.