Donna J. Danhelka

Donna Jean Danhelka, age 77, of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 14, 1945, in Hinsdale, Illinois, the daughter of Eugene and Gladus (Lynch) Russell.

Donna loved serving God, teaching, and traveling.  A graduate of Barat College and Lewis University, Donna taught studio art, painting, and other art courses at Downers Grove North High School for thirty years.  As a teacher, she received multiple Excellence in Education Awards from the Getty Foundation for the Arts and the National Scholastic Art Foundation.  Her teaching can be seen through her students’ art works which have been featured in galleries in New York City, the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and in Chicago.  During the summers, Donna traveled throughout the United States and internationally with her family.  She loved history, art, and of course shopping.   Donna also served on several mission teams as far flung as Russia.   After retiring in 2002, Donna continued to travel and fuel her passion for art and antiques.  Her greatest joys in life were God, her husband Tony, her son T.J., her grandsons Anthony and Zachary, and her pencils and paint brushes. 

She is survived by husband Tony of 54 years; son T.J. (Tiffany) of Winfield; grandsons Anthony and Zachary; sisters Karon Kahn of Colorado and Janet (Jim) Warner of Florida; and many other dear relatives and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her brother David.

Funeral Service will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 2:30 pm at Chapelstreet Church, 2300 South Street, Geneva with Drs. Michael and Karen Love and Pastor Brian Coffey officiating. 

Entombment will be held privately at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oak Brook Terrace.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 7 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Fox Valley Christian Action, 35W624 Riverwoods Lane, St. Charles, Illinois 60174 would be appreciated.  

Arrangements by Malone Funeral Home, in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com.

Link to zoom service https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85404892009?pwd=ZjRZeWVnd3FnNHRoY3luRzJyaHRRdz09