Donna M. Magnuson

Donna Magnuson, age 84, of Tomahawk, WI passed away on August 29, 2025, at Rennes Health & Rehab Center in Rhinelander. Donna was born to Joseph and Estelle (Bauer) Lamer on May 16, 1941, in Tomahawk, WI. She was the youngest of eight children and grew up on the family resort on Halfmoon Lake. She attended St. Mary’s Grade school and graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1959. She attended Madison Business College and worked as a Ticket Agent for North Central/Northwest Airlines until her marriage to Lester Magnuson on September 19, 1970. Donna and Les built a home and raised their three sons on the Magnuson Family Fur Farm in Ogema, WI. She worked alongside her husband in the mink business and was employed with the Rib Lake Health Care Center in the business office from 1990 until retiring in 2006. In 2017, Donna moved back to Tomahawk and loved being close to family and life-long friends. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and active in the St. Mary’s choir. She was very close to her nieces and nephews and their families and always looked forward to family gatherings, especially the Lamer 4th of July celebrations.

She is survived by her sons, Lowell (Amelia), of Duluth, MN, Edgar, of Spirit, WI, and Victor, of Sycamore, IL, and three loving grandchildren, Colton, Josie, and Ella Magnuson. She is further survived by her brother Gerry (Pat) Lamer and sister-in law’s, Jane Lamer, Wilma Lamer, Kathleen Lamer, Joan Magnuson and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lester, two sisters, Rita (Harlan) Kuehling and Marge Oelhafen, four brothers, Eugene, Vernon, Allan, and Francis Lamer and sister-in-law’s Marguerite and Mary Lamer, Aileen (Harold) Johnson and brother-in-law, Herb Magnuson.

Donna will be remembered most for her unwavering optimism during times of adversity, her ability to connect with people in positive ways, and for her incredibly kind spirit and loving empathy for others. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 19, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomahawk, WI. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM until the time of services. The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery following the service for family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Mary’s School, Tomahawk, WI, and the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com

Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.