Donna M. Oesterreicher, age 86 of Eau Claire, formerly of Durand, died peacefully Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the River Pines Nursing Home in Altoona, with her family by her side.

Donna was born on May 19, 1930 on the Gasteyer family farm near Eau Galle. She was the daughter of Will and Clara (Zeilinger) Gasteyer. Donna was the youngest of eight siblings. Donna attended the Weber Valley rural school across the road from the farm and graduated from Durand High School. She married Paul Oesterreicher on February 14, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. After marriage, Donna and Paul ran Paul’s Super Foods Store and raised their family. In 1980, Donna and Paul moved to Eau Claire where she remained the rest of her life.

Donna enjoyed many hobbies, including quilting, making stained glass windows and cooking. Donna was a loving mother and grandmother until the very end.

Donna is survived by her children; Robert of Hayward, Susan (Patrick) McNally of Eau Claire and Linda (Jim) Bauer of Durand, five grandchildren; Rachel McNally of Eau Claire, Kyle (Kristie) of Madison, Paula (Kyle) Parker of Black River Falls, Sam Bauer of Wayzata, MN and Max Bauer of Cedar Rapids, IA, six great grandchildren; Evan McNally, Kaitlyn Boustany, Callahan McNally, Toby Hovland, Carson Hovland and Lindy Parker, one brother, Jerry (Bea) Gasteyer of Elmwood, one sister-in-law, Jean Gasteyer of Elmwood, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul and her five siblings and two half siblings.

Memorial Services will be 11:30 AM Friday, November 4, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand with Rev. Paul Bosco officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donna’s name to: Eau Claire Adult Special Olympics, 2505 Beverly Hills Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Tom & Mary Jean Schiefelbein November 6, 2016, at 3:00pm

   To Bob, Sue, Linda and family; Tom and I want to extend our deepest sympathy. We were saddened to read that Donna had passed away..She will always remain in our hearts as one of our cherished friends. She was always such a friendly and caring person..A great hostess and a very good friend..We enjoyed many years of great friendship with Paul and Donna..Our best to you all..Mary Jean and Tom

2. Connie Brenner Bayer November 5, 2016, at 2:20pm

   My thoughts and prayers are with all of Aunt Donna's
   family.

3. Cheryl Bean November 4, 2016, at 5:17am

   So many fun and fond memories of time spent with Donna, our sweet Tuesday friend... We shared so many walks and lunches.
   We feel blessed to have know your Mom....
   Our sympathies,
   Cheryl Bean Diane Paulsrud

4. Robert Larson November 3, 2016, at 7:41pm

   RIP, Donna. You and Paul were good friends!!

5. Dave and Kris Polzer November 2, 2016, at 11:29am

   Sorry for your loss. Donna was a beautiful lady inside as well as outside. Your parents were very thoughtful after the death of my dad 52 years ago when my mother took over running our grocery store and didn't even have a driver's license. Your dad was a wonderful man also.

   Kris (Slama) Polzer

6. Joyce Owen Keenlyne November 2, 2016, at 8:05am

   Sue and Linda-so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was always such a nice lady and raised a wonderful family. She will be missed by all of you.

7. Mary and Jeff Fresia November 2, 2016, at 7:00am

   We were so sad to hear of your Mom's passing.

   She was a beautiful, warm lady who enjoyed her home and yard.

   If we can do anything, please let us know.

   Now she is in heaven with Paul.

   Sincerely

   Mary and Jeff

8. Catherine Gasteyer November 1, 2016, at 3:25pm

   Sending our deepest condolences. We have many happy memories of Aunt Donna. She will be truly missed.

9. Judy John parr November 1, 2016, at 2:39pm

   Our prayers are with you sorry to hear of your loss

10. Ken Smith November 1, 2016, at 6:23am

    Heartfelt condolences to the family. Having worked for Paul and Donna in the 60's and seeing how they treated customers and managed my work schedule around schooling, they formed a model of behavior that I incorporated into my own life. Donna always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed by everyone she touched.

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