Donna Marie Henry

Donna Marie Henry (nee Pochert), born on October 29, 1941, passed away on June 22, 2026 at the age of 84. She is survived by her children Sheree Trostorff Shaw, Eric Henry (Leslie), Scot Henry (Laura), Cari Coonen (Erik), Christopher Henry, PJ Henry (Ryan Schaben), and Shannon Stielow (Scott); 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Pochert and Gertrude Ann Kunze, and by Walter Henry, to whom she was married from 1963 to 2013.

Donna grew up in a neighborhood west of the Milwaukee River. From her beloved father, she gained a lifelong love of professional baseball, and with her mother's guidance, her creative spirit bloomed in many directions - particularly in the craft of knitting. Donna graduated in 1959 from St. Pius XI high school of which she was proud, and attended as many of her reunions as she could get to. She maintained lifelong friendships with some of her classmates.

Donna worked for Ideals Publishing company for a short time, but long enough to participate in staged period photos that were included in a couple books they published.

Donna met Walter Henry and they married in 1963. She spent many years raising 7 children in a home she and her husband had designed and built in the City of Brookfield, and when the last child moved out of the house, she reminded everyone that she was retired. Donna continued to explore her crafting interests, but her knitting brought her fame among family and friends. For decades Donna entered multiple knit items in the Wisconsin State Fair, and every year won multiple ribbons including several "Best in Show" awards. Her clever creation of patterns and use of materials like whimsical buttons brought amusement to anyone who was lucky to see her work.

Donna expressed her creativity in other ways to the benefit of her family by cooking delicious meals from recipes that she would often modify well beyond the original. She inspired her children and grandchildren to do just as well, and family gatherings were an abundant celebration of good food. She could host a large party and make it all seem effortless.

Donna also gave to others in quiet ways. She baked cupcakes every month for the St. Benedict parish meal program, and the family served meals when the children were younger. Donna used her knitting talent to help others by creating mittens for homeless people, and a beautiful cap for her friend who had cancer.

Donna loved living creatures. Injured or orphaned animals found a friend in her, and even spiders and other insects were escorted out of the house unharmed, usually by her husband. This ethic passed on to her children.

Finally, when all the dust settled from a family gathering, Donna would always be available to talk in person or on the phone, just to catch up. She was always interested in what was happening with her children, and she herself was a source of family news. She was easy to be with.

We will remember Donna for all these things. She is greatly missed, and we love her.