Donna Townsend

Donna Townsend (Gray), 94 of Milton, Wis., died peacefully at Rock Haven Nursing home on October 19, 2025. A woman of remarkable independence, intelligence, and spirit. She was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., on November 9, 1930, to Lyn C. Gray and Edyth Gray (Klavon). As a young child her family moved to Portage, Wis. She graduated from Portage High School in 1948. Donna married Robert W. Townsend on October 9, 1949, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She then earned a degree at Madison Business College.

Donna was an avid reader who enjoyed keeping up with current events. She was very sharp and infinitely curious. Donna enjoyed traveling, having gone to Europe and Alaska. Their happiest moments were the times she and Bob spent sitting on the pier at Wood Lake surrounded by family watching sunsets. Together they established Carpet Mart Inc. in Janesville, Wis., in 1966. For 40 years they worked side-by-side until retirement. Their sons Fredrick and James Townsend took over the business and currently it is managed by their grandson, Alexander Miller.

Donna was a member of Faith Lutheran Church for over 55 years.

Donna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Donna is survived by daughter, Susan Jennings of Vero Beach, FL; son, Fredrick Townsend of Janesville (Nancy); son, James (Janet) Townsend of Milton, and daughter, Karin (Jeffrey) Miller of Milton; her grandchildren, Sara (Chad) Williams, Maria (Joost) Kamphuis, Andrew Jennings, Michelle (Brian) Anderson, Andrew (Johnna) Townsend, Jonathan Townsend, Anthony (Fawn)Townsend, Kai Miller, Nicole (Jennifer) Miller, and Alexander (Staci) Miller; and 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; brothers, Garth and Curtis Gray; sister; Madge Lohr; and son-in-law, Andrew Glen Jennings.

Services and visitation will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to Noon with services to follow at Noon. Private burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Portage, Wis. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Rock Haven Nursing Home and Agrace HospiceCare for Donna’s time there.