Donna Elayne Selin, age 68, passed away peacefully at Azura Memory Care (Harbor House) in Eau Claire, WI on November 19, 2012 after struggling with Lewy Body Dementia for approximately six years. Donna was born July 28, 1944 in Willmar, Minnesota to Ervin and Edna Wacker and spent her formative years growing up in Willmar. Donna graduated from Willmar High School in 1962, earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State College in 1965 and earned numerous post-graduate credits at the University Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Minnesota. She married J. Roger Selin on March 26, 1966 in Willmar, Minnesota. Donna taught first grade for 35 years, one year in Cadott and 34 years in Eau Claire serving Lincoln, Manz, and Randall schools and completing her teaching career at Lakeshore Elementary, retiring in June, 2004. Donna is survived by her husband of 46 years, J. Roger Selin of Eau Claire; two sons, Todd of Ridgway, Colorado and Corey (Chris) of Eau Claire, two granddaughters, Brittany and Isabella of Eau Claire, an older sister, Barbara (Merle) Berkeland of Willmar and a niece, Karen (Steve) Jorschumb (Emily, and Colby) of Bloomington, Minnesota. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Edna Wacker and nephew, Andrew C. Berkeland. Upon being graduated from Willmar High School in 1962, Donna, upon strong persuasion from her parents, decided to attend St. Olaf College. After one year, Donna decided to join her very good friend from Willmar who was studying at St. Cloud State. That friend, J. Roger Selin, eventually became her husband. According to Donna's dad, Donna and Roger first met on Games lake while ice fishing in 1945 or 1946. That relationship "sputtered" until 1960 when Donna called and invited the bashful Roger to the Sadie Hawkins day dance and that relationship flourished until marriage in 1966. That relationship resulted in two sons, Corey (1973) and Todd (1978) and two granddaughters, Brittany (1996) and Isabella (2001). Donna was always thankful for the opportunity to start and end a successful teaching career in Eau Claire. Donna was most appreciative of the support of the Eau Claire school system administration, especially during those introductory years as a first grade teacher. Donna was especially appreciative of those teaching colleagues who encouraged her and helped so much during those formative years as an elementary teacher. Before Lewy Body Dementia (Parkinson's with dementia) got the best of Donna, she frequently acknowledged appreciation for all her teaching friends and acquaintances. As Donna would want to say, "Thank you to all of you for being a friend and colleague and helping influence and shape the direction of a very satisfying teaching career." Roger was employed in Eau Claire, WI in January of 1966 and Donna joined him in March, 1966. Donna decided to retire in 2004 as she (we) noticed some health issues. Upon skiing at Lake Tahoe in December, 2005, Donna got off of the chairlift and could not ski. After extensive research, we discovered that Donna was dealing with Parkinson's and we thought we could handle that. Shortly after that (and maybe before) she (we) noticed issues with dementia. The official diagnosis, which was challenging to figure out, was Lewy Body Dementia. Roger and Corey took care of Donna for a couple of years, but when it became obvious that extra help was necessary, Roger entered her in a memory care facility, coincidentally, on Todd's 30th birthday, July 15, 2008. By summer, 2010, Donna could no longer walk, talk, or eat by herself. She seemed to recognize family as well as caretakers on occasion. Donna loved the opportunity to live in Eau Claire, raise a family in Eau Claire and spend 46 years living, socializing and making numerous friends in Eau Claire. Family outings were a big priority for Donna; family camping, downhill skiing, river canoe trips, spending quality family time at her small cabin on Green Lake in Minnesota, and traveling this great country in which we live. Donna loved outdoor activities and especially loved canoeing the Brule River. Donna enjoyed downhill skiing, being fortunate to ski more than 30 mountain areas west of the Mississippi plus numerous areas in the Midwest. Donna also taught Sunday school at Trinity Lutheran and volunteered extensively with Babe Ruth and Little League Baseball over several years. Life was shorter that we all would have liked, but Donna punched a lot of life out of those 68 years. She was most appreciative of having that opportunity. Thank you to Willmar, St. Cloud, and Eau Claire friends, relatives and colleagues for being part of a wonderful life. For sure, if Donna could be with us and talk about the importance of this celebration of life, she probably would say, "Friends, Relatives, Colleagues and the Superb Staff at Azura Memory Care, thanks so much for being part of my life and helping influence and shape the direction of a very satisfying life; and hey, I have a new permanent address - HEAVEN-- and you can keep in touch through 772937 (see your phone pad)! LOVE YOU ALL!!!!" Memorials may be directed to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, or the Trinity Lutheran Church Mortgage Fund.

Service Information

Visitation

Sunday, November 25 2012 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Funeral Service

Monday, November 26 2012 1:00 PM

Trinity Lutheran Church 1314 E. Lexington Blvd. Eau Claire WI 54701