Donna Wollenschlager

On January 19, 2021, Donna Jean (Panning) Wollenschlager was taken home to be with the Lord after a peaceful two week stay at Toledo hospice. She was born August 5, 1931 to Albert and Anna Panning in Napoleon, OH, where she grew up with her older sister, Loretta, in what she would always describe as a wonderful and happy childhood. Despite growing up during the depression, Donna was best known for her optimism and unwavering faith, as well as, having the kindest and most loving heart. She is now reunited in death with her husband, Robert (Dr. Bob) Wollenschlager (married August 23, 1952). They lived briefly in Davenport, Iowa while he finished chiropractic school, before moving to San Francisco while he served at Letterman Army Hospital. It was after giving birth to their oldest daughter, Janet, that they moved back to Toledo to be closer to family. Once home and surrounded by her closest friends and family, Donna came fully into her role as the true matriarch and the heart and soul of her family. She worked for First Federal Savings and Loan for many years and became a Vice President in the savings & loan department before retiring in 1990. She spent countless Sundays teaching Sunday school classes at St. Lucas and St. Paul's Lutheran church, where she was a member for over 40 years. She can be remembered enjoying a round of golf, having lunch with her closest friends, always planning the next meal, and likely spending what spare time she had taking care of everyone and anyone she could! However, none of this stopped her from being a regular fixture in the lives of her children and grandchildren, where you could spot her at any and all school programs, sporting events, dance recitals, and graduations. Donna was the happiest when everyone was together. Throughout her life she maintained a loving and genuine demeanor that won the trust and hearts of anyone who had the blessing to know her. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her smile, laughter, compassion, and all around warmth will never be forgotten and she leaves her beautiful legacy behind in her daughters, Janet (Dave) Forney, Sandy (Steve) Hale and Lori (Mark) Ryerson, as well as, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Due to COVID-19, there will be no visitation but for those who wish to be with them in spirit, a memorial will be streamed live on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 1 pm via Facebook through St. Paul’s website (https://www.stpaulslive.com) or on YouTube. Pastor Paul Doerfler will be officiating. The entire family is deeply grateful to Browning/Pathways for the love and compassion that was shown during Donna's two year stay. The family would also like to extend their thanks to Hospice of NW Ohio as well for her care in the final days of her life. Both facilities did a phenomenal job during such a stressful time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests giving memorial donations to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maumee, Ohio or Hospice of NW Ohio.