Kay Donahue
Kay Donahue
March 26, 1962 — March 10, 2024
Kay was born on March 26,1962 in Merrill, Wisconsin and grew up in Gleason. After graduating from Merrill High School in 1980, she worked at various resorts during the summer and one in upper Michigan for the winter. This fueled her desire to never spend another winter in the Northwoods. She then traveled to Florida and ultimately California, where she met Tim. The two married on June 6,1987 in San Francisco, California.
Kay and Tim loved to travel and shared many trips with their sons to see family: the Donahue’s in northern California and Washington; the Kressel’s in Wisconsin; and plenty of trips to MexiCali to get away.
Kay loved taking care of her grandchildren, Cohen and Reid. She taught Cohen how to engage in baking competitions, she was his biggest fan at soccer, and always gave him smarties as a candy treat. She became a pro at making Reid laugh. Kay also had grand-doggies in Superior and was always willing and happy to watch them whenever asked.
She spent time reading, solving crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, rock picking, and Helen-izing. She also earned her Masters Degree in Fire Poking at Kressel Kabin on the Prairie River.
Kay returned to Palm Desert for the winter months in 2023 and 2024. She enjoyed reuniting with the Donahue family and long-time friends.
Kay is survived by sons Joseph Michael, spouse Val, their two boys, Cohen David and Reid Lennon (Wausau, WI) and Nicholas David and fiancé Kat Frye (Superior, WI). Her siblings James (Amy) Kressel, Ruth Kressel (Doug Summers), and Robert Kressel. Her in-laws, Tricia Gariano, Mick (Lynette) Donahue, Dennis Donahue, and Danny (Sally) Donahue. She was preceded in death by her life partner and husband, Timothy Michael Donahue and her parents Earl and Helen Kressel. A celebration of Kay's life will be held on Sunday March 24, 2024 starting at 12pm at the Gleason Bowling Center located at N4878 WI-17, Gleason, WI 54435 where stories and memories of Kay and her family are welcome to be shared.
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