Donna M. Ventura, age 77 of Kenosha died peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August 14, 2016.

A lifelong Kenosha resident, Donna was born on October 7, 1938 and was the daughter of the late George and Genevieve (Willems) Johnson.  She attended St. George Elementary School and was a 1956 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School. She also attended Gateway Technical College.

Donna met the love of her life, James Ventura at a Dry Dock Friday night high school dance.  On July 19, 1958 at St. George Catholic Church, they were united in marriage.

She was employed as a secretary with Bane-Nelson, Inc. retiring in 1997.  Previously, she was employed with State Farm Insurance and MacWhyte Corp.

For over 50 years, Donna and her husband, Jim were active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She completed a two year coordinator training at Mundelein Seminary through the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, coordinated and taught seventh grade religious education and confirmation classes, were Eucharistic ministers, participated in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Enrichment Program for the Engaged as facilitators and speakers, and served on the Engaged Enrichment Board in Milwaukee for several years.

Donna volunteered as a gym teacher, Cub Scout Leader, and was a past president of Aglow Fellowship.  Donna was a former board member of the Catholic Junior League.  She enjoyed playing bridge with the other members and taking turns going to each other’s homes.  Donna was also a member of the St. Mary Altar Society and she continued to participate in the St. Mary ministries of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), Prayer Line, Prayer and Worship Committees and was a member of the Catholic Women’s Club.

Traditions were very important to Donna.  She always made the holidays, birthdays and significant occasions special for each family member.  Christmas cookie making was a very special event.  Many dozens of cookies were made with her daughter, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, Lily and Gianna.  Her hopes were that these traditions would be carried into the next generations as her mother and mother-in-law did.

By far, Donna’s greatest joy in life was brought about by her family and by her complete and undying trust and comfort in her Catholic faith.  She prayed regularly with friends for families, church and other needs of the community and world.

Donna enjoyed the winter months that she and Jim spent in Largo, FL and the many friendships they created there over the years.  In their younger years, they enjoyed tandem bike riding, dancing and camping.

Donna kept busy by attending weekly hydro exercise therapy and meeting with the Grade School Club from St. George for monthly breakfast.  She cherished her outings to watch her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and other activities.

She was blessed with a wonderful husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and relatives. “They are lives treasures and joys” (Matthew 6:21).

Survivors include her loving husband Jim; her four children, James (Linda) Ventura, Jr., Michael Ventura, Christopher Ventura, and Dr. Rita (Joseph) Kadamian; her four grandchildren, Anthony (Alexis), Gianna, and Jared Ventura, and Liliana Kadamian; and her siblings, Gerald (Carole) Johnson, Karen (Rochley) Gross and David (Diane) Johnson.

Donna’s family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Dr. AJ Capelli, Dr. Malik Bandealy and his staff, Hospice Alliance, Inc., Dr. Peter Johnson, Laurie Kadunc and the entire staff at the West Allis Women’s Pavilion.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Donna’s life will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 7300-39th Ave.. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.