Donna M. (Culver) Schleuning

Donna Mae (Culver) 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. On October 4, 1958, she married Francis Culver. Together they shared 36 years of marriage and raised two children before Francis’s passing in November of 1994. Donna later found love again with Stanley Schleuning Sr., whom she knew from her time working at Eaton Corp. They were united in marriage on May 17, 1996.

Donna was incredibly hardworking and was known for always giving her time and talents to others. She spent years doing factory work at Eaton Corp before finding her true calling in healthcare. She was a deeply proud Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), working until the age of 71. She held her profession to the highest standard of care, always picking up extra shifts to help out, and advocating fiercely for her patients.

Those who knew Donna knew a woman with a great personality who simply refused to act her age. She was a kid at heart who loved life. She loved country music and could often be found dancing at Mooney Hallow in her younger days. She was a legendary baker and cook; while raising her kids, there was always company over and a fresh pie on the table. Her family will forever miss her homemade soups and cookies.

In her free time, Donna enjoyed sewing and crocheting, creating many beautiful things for those she loved. She enjoyed watching her jewelry shows, collecting silverware, and was known to be "a little wild behind the wheel" when driving. Above all, she loved her family. She was a doting grandmother who loved spoiling her grandkids.

Donna’s memory will be cherished 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. She was the proud and loving grandmother to several grandchildren, as well as many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and "bonus" grandchildren whom 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.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Reeseville Cemetery outside of Green Island, Iowa.