Donna Kay (Brandl) Reddy, 78, of Spencer, WI, was called to her heavenly home on May 26, 2025, wrapped in the love of her family.
Born on December 5, 1946, in Clinton, Wisconsin, to Alvin and Edith (Jensen) Brandl, Donna was a 1964 graduate of Clinton High School. On July 25, 1964, she married the love of her life, Richard Reddy. Together, they celebrated nearly 61 years of marriage, building a beautiful life and legacy.
Donna and Rich began their married life in Clinton and, in 1969, moved to Spencer after purchasing the family farm. It’s there they raised their five children: Denise, Ryan, Amber, Melissa, and Shannon. Donna poured her heart into everything she did—working on the farm, making a warm and welcoming home, and later serving meals to countless students as a food service tech at Spencer Public Schools, where she worked until her retirement in 2012.
Donna found joy in life’s little things—doing puzzles at the kitchen table, curling up with a good book, tending to her flowers, or watching the birds from the porch. She loved watching any sport on TV, but her favorite games were the ones played by her children, grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren. Whether it was a packed gym, a chilly football field, or a crowded bleacher seat, Donna was always there—cheering, smiling, and beaming with pride.
Donna also treasured time spent with her friends—whether relaxing at the cabin or enjoying an afternoon shopping. Those simple, shared moments meant the world to her.
She was the kind of woman who remembered birthdays, showed up for everyone, and never complained—even when life got hard. She was patient, loving, a little sassy, and always full of heart. And let’s be honest—she was a saint for putting up with Rich’s shenanigans all these years (we all know it’s true).
Donna is survived by the love of her life, Richard, and their five children: Denise (Mike) O’Shaughnessy, Ryan (Rhonda) Reddy, Amber Reddy (Troy Robus), Melissa (Scott) Lau, and Shannon (Luke) Zschernitz. Her 14 grandchildren were her pride and joy: Jessica (Greg) Nowaczyk, Jami (Brian) Brost, Janalee (Jared) Becker, Trista (Will) Lyman, Ross (Ashley) Reddy, Trasi (Tanner) Wissell, Rylyn Reddy (Ben Glab), Trenton, Degan, Keatin, Lydia Lau, Logan (Aubrie Roda), Jadyn, and Reven Zschernitz.
She also leaves behind a growing crew of 26 great-grandchildren, each one bringing her endless joy: Trevor, Nash, Tylan, Jorja-Ann, Jalynn, Josie, Truxton, Treyton, Annistyn, Addaline, Ava, Reagan, Henry, Benson, Avery, Ridge, Payson, Riley, Ryder, Clara, Sydney, Colt, Sadie, and Hayes.
Donna is also survived by her siblings: Ronald (Jeri) Brandl, Jim Brandl, Mike (Karen) Brandl, Kristine (Ron) Seeber, Kathy (Mike) Cox, Karen Peck, Russ (Barbie) Brandl, Dave (Anne) Brandl, Richard Brandl, and Phyllis Brandl; as well as in-laws Sandy Brandl, Tom Reddy, and Harold (Judy) Reddy. She was deeply loved by a wide circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.
She now reunites in heaven with her parents Alvin and Edith, in-laws Ralph and Leona Reddy, her brothers Jerry and John Brandl, sisters-in-law Marilyn and Carol Brandl, Ruthanne Reddy, and brother-in-law Dave Peck.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Rev. Barry Saylor will officiate. Burial will follow at West Spencer Cemetery.
The Reddy family extends their heartfelt thanks to Carley and the Medical ICU team for their gentle and compassionate care.
Donna’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched—quietly, steadily, and with a love that never wavered. She will be missed deeply and remembered always.
Author: Breanna Butler
Breanna Butler is an award-winning multimedia producer born and raised in Central Wisconsin. She enjoys exploring and writing about the community. She lives in Marshfield with her husband and furry family.
