Donna Mae Cogar

Donna Mae Cogar of Sugar Camp passed away at the age of 80 on February 6, 2025 under the care of Compassus and Friendly Village with her loving family by her side.

Donna was born in Orange County, California on November 25, 1944 to the late Gilbert and Ruby June (Dollarhide) Shilts. After several moves across the country with her parents they finally settled in Delavan. Donna went on to be a 1962 graduate of Delavan High School. 

Right after graduation she began her life-long passion of being in the workforce. She worked at the ice cream shop in Darien where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Cogar. 

They were joined in marriage on June 6, 1964. 

In the late ‘70s Kenneth and Donna moved to Sugar Camp and together they built a family rooted in love and hard work. Family was always the heart of Donna’s life. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother who whole-heartedly treasured every moment spent with her loved ones. She had such a sweetness in her heart that made everyone feel loved and welcome. 

Donna carried such pride in her work ethic and independence. She worked many years at Taylor Park before finishing out her working hands at Bonson’s Pick N’ Save where she retired after over 20 years. 

She enjoyed family above all, as well as scratch-offs, bingo, casino trips, bowling league, her daily survival of black coffee and watching her grandchildren plays sports, watching her favorite football team after the Packers of course, the Chiefs. She enjoyed reading, crosswords and all the extra sweets she knew she shouldn’t have. 

Donna is survived by her 3 children: Kris (Bill) Scheffler, Kevin (Sarah) Cogar and Steve Cogar; 10 grandchildren: Marcus (Heather) Liebscher, Kendra (Alix) Wilson, Brady (Mariah) Liebscher, Kiana (Gunnar) Fabianski, Kenzie (Austin) Boyer, Katrina (Marques) Cogar, Katlin (Chad) Cogar, Jenna (Zach) Cogar, Nathan Cogar, Joshua (Maya) Cogar; 14 great-grandchildren: Kasey, Justin, Kaleb, Bradley, Brystol, Deagan, Kenleigh, Corwin, Easton, Remington, Mason, Everett, Letty, and baby. She will also be lovingly remembered by many stepgrandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

She is further survived by her siblings: Debbie Gimmel, Dennis (Dawn) Shilts, Albert Shilts, Marlene Shilts; sister in-law: Ruth Shilts and Gene Shilts; family friend Melanie as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Cogar; parents: Gilbert and Ruby Shilts; brothers: Leonard and Gil Shilts; sister: Carol Barett; brother in-law Todd Gimmel; grandson: Logan Cogar. 

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday February 12, 2025 at the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Sugar Camp Memorial Cemetery. 

Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com.