Donna M. Schleuning

Donna Mae Schleuning, age 86, of Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Galena Nursing Home.

Born on May 5, 1939, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to David and Bernice Bearce, Donna grew up in the country near the Iron Hill area. In 1958 she married Francis Culver, and together they shared 36 years of marriage and raised two children before his passing in 1994. She later found love again with Stanley Schleuning Sr., a colleague from her years at Eaton Corp., and they were married in 1996.

Donna was known for her strong work ethic and generous spirit. After years in factory work at Eaton Corp., she discovered her true calling in healthcare and became a proud Certified Nursing Assistant. She continued working until age 71, always ready to pick up extra shifts, uphold the highest standards of care, and advocate for her patients. Those who knew her remember a woman with a vibrant personality who refused to act her age. A kid at heart, she loved country music and dancing at Mooney Hollow in her younger years. She was a gifted baker and cook whose kitchen was always open to family and friends, and her homemade soups, cookies, and pies were legendary.

In her quieter moments, Donna enjoyed sewing and crocheting beautiful gifts for those she loved. She took pleasure in her jewelry shows, collecting silverware, and was affectionately known for her spirited driving. Above all, she cherished her family and was a doting grandmother who delighted in spoiling her grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband, Stanley Schleuning Sr.; her daughter, Linda (Robert) Smith; her bonus daughter, Carla Ehlers; and her stepchildren, Stanley Jr. (Jessica) Schleuning, Steven Schleuning, and Stacy Swift. Donna was the proud grandmother of many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and “bonus” grandchildren she loved as her own. She is also survived by her brothers, Dave, Ron, and Skeeter; her sisters, June, Marcia, Joyce, and Margret; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Bernice; her first husband, Francis Culver; one son; two brothers; and one sister.