Donna Mae Krische

Donna Mae (Wehmeier) Krische, 94, a long-time Lawrence resident, entered into eternal life on Saturday, May 8, 2021. She died peacefully from natural causes. She was born on October 18, 1926 in Waterville, KS to George and Thelma (Keefover) Wehmeier. She was the second and last-surviving of six children. After high school graduation, she earned an emergency teaching certificate and taught at a one-room school house in Marshall County, KS. She later moved to Topeka to further her education and work at the State Highway Department where she met George ‘Bob’ Krische whom she married August 21, 1950 at St Joseph Catholic Church. They had six children and celebrated 57 years of marriage. Donna delighted in being with her all-embracing family and friends and was beloved by siblings, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Often called ‘Momma Donna’ and ‘Gra’madonna,’ she was a beautiful lady, approached life with courage and joy, and handled sufferings with grace and dignity. She loved attending Mass and praying the rosary. Her Faith was evident in her daily life by her care and concern for others. She had a generous spirit and would give what she had to brighten someone’s day — a flower from her own bouquet, an angel statue, a polished stone, a snickers bar from her ever-present stash, or whatever she had. She enjoyed family and class reunions, and her interests included genealogy, antiques, auctions, puzzles, word searches, birds, and KU basketball. Donna was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish and St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center. She was a very active and committed member of the Daughters of Isabella (an international Catholic women’s organization). She was a charter member, 55 years ago, of St. Jude Circle in Lawrence and served as Regent in 1971. She brought her sparkle and joy of life to every meeting and event.

Donna was preceded in death by husband Bob; daughters Linda M (George) Heiman and Nancy A. Krische; sisters Linda E. (John) McGrath, Marjorie A. Kenney; brothers George E. (Margaret) Wehmeier, Jr., Larry G. Wehmeier, and Steven C. (Nancy) Wehmeier; and grandchildren Mary and Joseph Krische.

Survivors include: sons Thomas M. Krische, Edwardsville, KS, Daniel A. (Jeanne) Krische, Longmont, CO, Robert M. (Deb) Krische, Overbrook, KS, and daughter Susan (Daniel) Fogo, Lakewood, CO. Grandchildren: Brian, Matthew, and James Heiman, Cathy Rollins; Theresa Skillett, Vincent, Michael, Elizabeth, and Laura Krische; Amy Dunn, Matthew Krische, and Lisa Smith; Fr. Andrew Krische, Josephine, Luke, Nathan, and Veronica Fogo. Great-Grandchildren: Michael, Lillie, Emma, Grace, Alissa, Emilie, Elienor, Benjamin, Gemma, Samuel, Lucy, Jonathan, Lucas, Andrew, Josh, Stella, Levi, Natalie, Brittany, Bradley and Cecelia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to St. Lawrence Catholic Center and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Friday, May 14, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. A Parish Rosary will be said at 6:30 pm.