Donna J. Stapleford

Donna J. (Kubel) Stapleford, age 84, formerly of Hancock, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Dimensions Living in Stevens Point.

Donna was born on May 30, 1942, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the daughter of Carl Bernard and Mary Ann (Paulick) Kubel.

Donna devoted much of her life to education and the children she taught. She began her teaching career in Catholic schools throughout Door County, Green Bay, Duck Creek, and Kaukauna. She later taught in the Kaukauna public school system, where she met fellow teacher Jerry Stapleford. The two were united in marriage and blessed with two children.

Donna took time away from her teaching career to stay home and raise their children. Once the children were in school, she returned to the classroom, teaching at a Catholic school in Kaukauna. Teaching was more than a profession for Donna; it was a calling, and she dedicated many years to helping young minds learn and grow.

Following retirement, Donna and Jerry moved to Hancock, Wisconsin, where they built their home and enjoyed their retirement years together. Donna was an active member of St. Paul's Catholic Parish in Plainfield and later became a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Parish in Wautoma. Her Catholic faith remained an important part of her life.

In recent years, Donna and Jerry made their home at Dimensions Living in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Stapleford; her daughter, Heather Trestrail; her granddaughter, Rosalie Martin; a sister; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Bernard and Mary Ann Kubel; her sisters, Mary Ann (Richard) Georgeson, Margaret (George) Kitz, Delores (Hank) Noffke, and Carl Mackey (Howard); and her brothers, John (Jeannette) Kubel and Thomas (Judith) Kubel.

A Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, N2845 Shadow Road, Waupaca, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Donna will be laid to rest at St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery in Plainfield, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in honor of Donna's wishes.