Donna Marie Goettler, a resident of Felician Village, Manitowoc, passed away April 5, 2025.

She was born to William and Libbie Opicka at Slovan, August 15, 1935. Both parents came from Czechoslovakia as children. Donna attended Slovan Public Graded School and graduated an honor student from Casco High School in 1953. She then attended the county teachers college in Algoma for two years, graduating in 1955 as a top honor student. She began teaching in lower elementary, spending summer sessions at the State University in Oshkosh, obtaining her BS degree in teaching. While at Oshkosh she met her future husband, James Goettler, also a teacher. They were married August 25, 1962, moving to Manitowoc where both taught. After three years they had two daughters whom they enjoyed raising as athletes and musicians.

Donna is survived by her husband James Goettler, daughters: Allison (Joe) Castro III of Manitowoc, and AnnDrea Goettler and significant other Peter Rizzardi of Green Bay, three grandchildren: Colton (Mariah) Castro of Manitowoc, Wyatt (Madi) Castro of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Summer Castro and fiancé Zak Korpita of Maribel; three great-grandsons: Lewis and Lennon Castro and Foster Hensley; and one great-granddaughter: Dakota Korpita. Donna is further survived by several nephews, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by both parents, her brother Donald and his wife Magdelene, nephew LCPL Dean Opicka, and father-in-law and mother-in-law: George and Ethel Goettler.

A private funeral ceremony was had with immediate family. Donna was laid to rest at Knollwood Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Goettler family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

Donna was greatly loved by all and will be sadly missed.