DONNA ZARLING

Donna Marie Zarling, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on May 21 at the age of 90.

She was born in Neenah, WI on July 30, 1933, to Milton and Ruby Porath (nee Sommer), the first of five children. Donna will be remembered for her dedication to her family.

As a young child, she lived at several locations in Neenah, each with its own special memories. When she was fourteen, the family moved to Mountain, WI. During her freshman year of high school, she sold enough tickets to raise funds for a charity and as a result became Oconto County Centennial Queen. The family later moved to Gillett where she met Roger, the love of her life, became prom queen, and was valedictorian of her graduating class. 

Donna married Roger Zarling on December 26, 1954. They lived in Minneapolis while Roger attended college. Roger's ROTC training then took them to Fort Lee, Virginia where Roger completed his military service. From there, they moved across the country to the West Coast, ending up in Weed, California where their son Jeff was born. They then returned to Wisconsin and settled back in Neenah where their son Rory was born.

She enjoyed taking care of her children and grandchildren. Her favorite place to spend time was the family home in Suring, Wisconsin on the South Branch of the Oconto River. The comfort, relaxation, memories, and beauty of the property is treasured by all of us. In her later years, she enjoyed watching the antics of the birds at the feeders.

Donna is survived by Roger, her loving husband of 69 years; two sons: Jeff (Deb) and Rory (Jan); five grandchildren: Rebecca, Zachary, Alex (Dana), Ryan (Janelle), and Brett (Hilary); and five great-grandchildren: Cal, Ava, Hudson, Hallie, and Camille. She is also survived by her sister, Rande (Chris) Loken; brother, Hal Porath; sisters-in-law: Mavis Gehling, Norma Schroch, and Betty Porath; as well brother-in-law, Jack (Karen) Zarling; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Ruby; her brother, William “Bill” Porath; her sister, Shelby (Schrader) Mamagona; brothers-in-law: Curt Gehling, Pete Schroch, and Rad Mamagona. 

Services will be held on May 29 at Westgor Funeral Home in Neenah. Visitation will begin at 10 AM with services at 11 AM. The interment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Gillett, WI at 1 PM on Thursday, May 30.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.