Donna Mae Zmolek

Donna M. Zmolek, age 93, of Oshkosh, died on Tuesday September 25, 2018 at Evergreen Retirement Community. She was born on May 5, 1925 in Watertown, South Dakota a daughter of Everett and Elsie Conard. She graduated from State University of Iowa with a degree in speech pathology. On November 25, 1948 she married Ernest Zmolek, M.D.
Donna and EJ moved their young family to Oshkosh in 1955 where EJ started his medical practice. Donna entered the Catholic Church at her beloved Saint Mary Parish in 1956. She was a devoted mother of four, who was always involved in her children’s school and extracurricular activities. Donna was a Cub Scout den mother and a member of the Lourdes High School Board of Education.
Donna’s favorite family time was spent with her toes in the sand and water skiing at the family cottage. It was lovingly dubbed Shack-Ri-La located on Pearl Lake. She had many hobbies including playing the piano, reading and sewing. She was a fierce competitor whether it was playing bridge or golf (1982 class A league champion at Lake Shore Golf Course). Many friends were made at the YMCA and East Side Tennis Club. Donna and EJ enjoyed an active social life as long-term members of the Edgewater Club. They also enjoyed seeing the world frequently traveling with the Carl Staple Group.
She is survived by her daugther Terry (Roger) Sturm and three sons Joseph (Mary) Zmolek, James (Julie) Zmolek MD, Douglas Zmolek MD. Grandchildren include Matthew Sturm, Jaclyn (Ryan) Olson, Katie (Patrick) Blaney, Bridget (Robert) Patek, Ryan Zmolek, Eric Zmolek, Chloe Zmolek, Hannah Zmolek, Sophia Zmolek, Austin Zmolek, great-grandchildren Clare Blaney and Grace Patek.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, EJ on November 13, 2008. Also preceding were her parents and her sister Dale Hageman.
A mass of Christian burial for Donna will be held on Friday October 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (St. Mary Site) with Rev. Jerry Pastors officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Internment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in Donna Zmolek’s name at West Pointe Bank, 1750 Witzel Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54902.
The family would like to thank Donna’s friends and staff at Evergreen Retirement Community, dedicated friend Joan Hinde, loving friend and neighbor Lois Gagnon and Dr. Ammar Alzoubi as well as his entire office staff who provided excellent, personalized care for Donna.