LaDonna J. Mahder, 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Cambridge Senior Living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with family by her side.

LaDonna was born on August 21, 1929 to Lawrence and Edna (Gunderson) Knudtson in Eau Claire, WI. She graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1947 and many of the friendships she made during her school years remained close throughout her life.

LaDonna met the love of her life Robert "Bob" Mahder during work and by chance served Bob and his best friend milkshakes. The two were united in marriage on October 7, 1950.

LaDonna worked over the years but her greatest pride and lifelong legacy was raising her six children and caring for her family.

LaDonna loved playing cards with her sisters, family members and friends. In her younger days she loved dancing with Bob and later enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, reading, and working on word searches. She faithfully cheered on the Green Bay Packers. She really liked traveling on road trips with Bob to visit their kids, and also enjoyed scenic car rides especially through Irvine Park.

LaDonna is survived by her sister, Marge (Tom) Knickerbocker of Eau Claire; her children, Cheryl (Marcus) Sedlickas of Graham, Washington, David (Geralyn) Mahder of Monument, Colorado, Ron (Sandy) Mahder of Elk Mound, Patti (Dave) Adams of Orono, Minnesota; and daughter-in-law, Ruth-Ann Mahder of Eau Claire. She is further survived by 14 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, Lawrence and Edna Knudtson - whom she was fortunate to have in her life until she was 77 years old; two oldest sons, Duane (2016) and Dennis (2014); her brother, Raymond Knudtson (Jody); her sister, Shirley Julson (Harvey); her brother, Harold Knudtson (Janice); her in-laws, Sam and Marie Mahder and sisters-in-law, Alice Mahder and Sally Ruser.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cambridge Senior Living and Lily Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to LaDonna during her difficult days.

A celebration of life will take place from 11am - 2pm, Sunday, June 14, 2026, at WEST CHAPEL - Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI.

The burial will be at 12pm Monday, June 15, 2026 at Prairie View Cemetery, Lake Hallie.

Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.