Donna Mullen Obituary

Donna Mullen, Appleton, 88, died peacefully in her home with her daughter, Penny, at her side on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Donna was born on May 22, 1937, to the late Henry and Rosella (Verhagen ) Feluaer. Donna graduated from Seymour High School in 1956. Donna married Lavern Mullen on August 18, 1956, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Black Creek, WI.
Donna was diagnosed with polio at the age of 3. Despite all of the horrendous circumstances she endured throughout her childhood, Donna did not let polio define who she was as a person. When Donna was faced with physical challenges and was told she would not be able to do anything meaningful with her life, she said "just watch me."
Donna became an entrepreneur and opened the "Poodle Parlor" in the basement of her home in 1968. She thoroughly enjoyed this venture, many friendships were developed at the Poodle Parlor. At the age of 35 Donna learned how to drive. Riding in the passenger seat of Donna's car was always memorable, Donna liked to ignore the speed limit signs, as well as the construction site cones. She was an active chaperone with all of Penny's field trips. She also drove to the family cottage by herself taking only the family dog.
Donna always made the holidays special for her family with handmade Christmas ornaments, a festively decorated dinner table for family members to enjoy her delicious homemade meals, and her home was always filled with cheer and many wonderful memories were always made.
Donna enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading books, decorating her dollhouse, playing solitaire on her computer, being on Facebook, spending every moment with her dog Annie Oakley, watching the birds and wildlife in her yard, and spending time outside.
Donna is survived by her daughter Penny (Eric) Schweitzer, her sister-in-law Marlene Mullen, her sister-in-law Eunice Wilson, and many nieces and nephews.
Donna is proceeded in death by her husband Lavern, her parents Henry and Rosella Feluaer, her mother-in-law and father-in-law Perry and Verna Mullen, sister Frances (Fred) Kelly, sister Monica (Lyonel) Arnold, half-brother Norman (Norma) Felauer, her half-sister Florence (Bud) Loos, her brother-in-law Pete Mullen, her brother-in-law Glenn Mullen, her brother in law Eldred (Patricia) Mullen, her sister-in-law Audrey (James) Rogers, her sister-in-law Doris Mullen, her nephew Mike Rogers, her nephew David Mullen, and her niece Crista Johnson.
Visitation will begin at 4:00 pm on Tuesday July 15, 2025, until the time of Mass at 5:30 pm at ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH (1810 N. McDonald St. Appleton, WI). Father Larry Seidl will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Home Instead. The family would also like to thank Mark Vivoda, Jodell Gagnow, Father Larry Seidl, Deacon Lincoln Wood, Dave Gengler, Buck Rogers, and Judy Johnson.
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O'Connell Funeral Home