Donna F. Spagnoletti Obituary (1922 - 2019)

Donna Fayth (nee Cartwright) Spagnoletti got her heavenly dancing shoes at the age of 96, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Donna was born to Archie and MaryEtta (Livingston) Cartwright on April 11, 1922 and spent most of her life in the Elk Mound area. Donna married the love of her life, Don Spagnoletti on Oct. 27, 1938 and enjoyed 57 wonderful years of marriage together. They were lifelong members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Elk Mound. Donna will be greatly missed by her family. Donna and Don raised their six children in the Elk Mound area. Donna spent a lifetime being a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Cherishing quality time with her family was a priority. Her talent for baking and cooking her famous Italian dishes pleased everyone. Growing beautiful flowers and healthy vegetables was a great pastime for her. She also frequently entertained friends and neighbors and was well known for her great gift of laughter and sense of humor. During her marriage she and Don joined several dance clubs in the area and were noted for their wonderful dancing ability. They also found time to travel to Europe on several occasions and cherished their time abroad. After earning her Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree’s at UWEC, she enjoyed teaching grade school in the Eau Claire School System for thirty years. She was always pleased to have contact with many of her former students. A little known fact about Donna is that she was the very first cheerleader for the Elk Mound High School. She earned a letter for her participation and her original megaphone was on display at several All-School EMHS reunions. Her cheerleading skills were further employed as she cheered for the Packers. Survivors include her five children, Gari (Judith) Spagnoletti of Menomonie, Diane (David) Hennig of Eau Claire, James (Beverly) Spagnoletti of Colfax, “T.” Mary Schoeneberg of Waterford, and Thomas (Joan) Spagnoletti of Colfax; daughter-in-law Barbara (Cork) Spagnoletti of Menomonie; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a brother Gene (Anita) Cartwright of Eau Claire; and sister-in-law Charlotte (Marv) Cartwright of Menomonie; and several nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her parents Archie and MaryEtta; husband Don; son Daryl “Cork” Spagnoletti; brothers, Earl, Van and Marvin Cartwright; sisters, Elizabeth Bradshaw, Odetta Weber and Jeanette Weber; daughter-in-law Betsy Spagnoletti; and dear son-in-law William “Billy” Schoeneberg; A Celebration of Donna’s life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Elk Mound, WI from 12:00 (noon) until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie is serving the family. There will be a private interment in Waneka Cemetery. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for the loving care Donna received.