Barbola Funeral Chapel

Donna R. Nickolaisen

Donna Rae Nickolaisen, age 83, of Berlin, died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

She was born November 19, 1939, at home in Wautoma, WI, the daughter of Orris and Marjorie Bahn Gaylord. Donna was a 1957 graduate of Berlin High School. On July 1, 1967, she was united in marriage to Thomas Nickolaisen at Spring Lake United Methodist Church.

Donna worked in a variety of positions for Farmers & Merchants Bank for 48 yrs from 1957-2005. She retired as a cashier and held the position of secretary as a member of the Board of Directors. Donna was “grandma” to many of her coworkers’ children, having 18 at one time! She was a member of Berlin United Methodist Church, giving of her time serving on church council, funeral committee and a past member of the church choir. In her free time, Donna enjoyed traveling a lot.

She is survived by her sister, Eileen Disterhaft; brother, Rev. Frank Gaylord; sister-in-law, Joan Nickolaisen; nieces and nephews, Chris (Jessica) Gaylord, Paul (Heidi) Gaylord, Laura Gaylord, Tom Disterhaft, Lisa Disterhaft and Richard (Linda) Nickolaisen; and Godchild, Jonni Hemphill. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, on July 23, 2005; parents; brothers and sister-in-law, James Disterhaft, Sandra Gaylord and James (Gerry) Nickolaisen; and a nephew, Randy Nickolaisen.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Berlin United Methodist Church. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Sang You officiating. Inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. Memorials may be directed to Berlin United Methodist Church. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail to Donna Nickolaisen, c/o Barbola Funeral Chapel, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923.