Donna J Dooley

Donna Jean Dooley (Trautsch), age 59, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, in her home surrounded by her husband and children. She was born on September 17, 1965, in La Crosse WI and was daughter to Roger and Sharon (Sherry) Trautsch (Larson). She married Francis (Fran) Dooley on March 14, 1987.

Donna worked as a Respiratory Therapist for 21 years at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI, before earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the UW School of Nursing. She held various jobs including time as an in-home care nurse before she started working at her dream job at the UW Sleep Center.

Donna enjoyed camping, fishing, biking, mowing the lawn – anything outdoors. With a twinkle in her eye and a smile that could light up a room, Donna had an intense passion for life and family.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Fran; her daughter McKenzie Dooley and son Dylan Dooley. Her mother Sherry Rainey (Bob); 3 brothers, David Trautsch (Wendy), Douglas Trautsch (Rose), Daniel Trautsch (Kristen); aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father Roger Trautsch.

There will be a small ceremony on March 29, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the York Towne Estate leasing center community room located at 251 S. Yellowstone Dr., Madison, WI 53705.

There will be a celebration of life in mid-September in honor of her birthday. Exact date and time to be determined but most likely at the Spartan Bowl in McFarland, WI. If you would like to receive additional information about this event, please email your contact information to dooleydonnaj@gmail.com

Memorials can be made to The National MS Society.