Donnabelle “Dolly” Pleshek of Gresham passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, surrounded by her family. Dolly was born on September 2, 1938, to Leo and Elfrieda (Kopelke) Schultz in the Town of Herman - Shawano County. Her father Leo died of polio in September of 1940, just after Dolly turned two years old. She became very close to her grandparents, Charlie and Mathilda Kopelke, who lived next door on the farm, as they helped care for Dolly and her brother Howard. In 1943, Elfrieda married Alvin Heling, and soon her brother Charles (Charlie) and sister Luciann (Luci) were added to the growing family. During her school years, Dolly walked the one-mile trek to and from Hermansfort Grade School for eight years, along with her close neighbors and friends, the Ringels. She attended Shawano High School and was a member of the first class to graduate from the “new” school in 1956. The classmates remained close throughout the years, and Dolly was a regular attendee at class reunions.

After graduation, Dolly worked in the steno pool at Consolidated Badger in Shawano for one year, then moved to Milwaukee to work in the offices of AC Electronics. In 1959, she married Ron Pleshek. In 1974, Ron started his own business, Pleshek Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, in which Dolly was actively involved. Ron and Dolly were married for 44 years until Ron’s death in 2003. Together, they raised five children: Vicki (Dave) Cary of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Randy (Lisa) Pleshek of Gresham; Lori Crowe of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; Tammy Pleshek of Chicago, Illinois; Mark (Myla) Pleshek of Gresham.

Over the years, Dolly was a tireless supporter of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She spent numerous hours on the sidelines, in the stands, and in auditoriums while attending sporting events, theater productions, concerts, graduations, and school programs. She was immensely proud of each of her family members and their achievements. She could also be counted on to help in whatever way was necessary and appropriate, not only for her own family but for others in her community. Her loyalty extended to the Packers and Brewers – even in the rough times – as well as Wisconsin high school basketball tournament teams. Admittedly, her loyalty and patience were sometimes tested as she also helped to raise numerous dogs, raccoons, bears, and a variety of other animals.

Dolly maintained strong social connections with relatives and friends throughout the area, most especially the “bowling gals.” She enjoyed trips to local casinos (which were sometimes quite profitable) and loved listening to classic country music (Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride, and Freddy Fender were some of her favorites). Dolly was quick-witted and loved to laugh. She cared enough to listen to others and knew when to share her own stories.

Dolly served several terms as Trustee-Treasurer of St. Francis Solanus Parish, and was a former Lector and promoter of their Annual Picnic and Dumpling Dinner. For many years, she helped prepare and serve funeral dinners. She eventually took part in Sister Mary Brunner’s retreats, learning how to sew and create mohair teddy bears, before she found her true calling in learning the art of Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs), which she often gifted to family members and friends. Her amazing artistry is evident in the intricate patterns of the dozens of eggs she created throughout her life, completing her final masterpiece when she was 82 years old.

In addition to her children (listed above), Dolly is survived by 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren: Rob (Michelle) Cary – Charlie, Louie, and Max; Katie Cary; Danielle (Troy) Kuhn – Cienna and McKenzi; Reynold (Kayla) Pleshek – Remy, Kamdyn, and Baby due in June; Jake (Ashley) Crowe – Lola and Jude; Luke (Casey) Crowe – Winona, Raymond, and Dorothy; Ryley (Lauretta) Crowe – Donnabelle and Magnolia; Antone (Lynnea Lee) Crowe – Baby due in September; Eric (Susan Bush) Nietzer – Ellis and Arlo; Megan (Carl Barnes) Pleshek – Peyton and Briella; Mitchell (Jennifer) Pleshek – Beckett and Maren. All will miss Grandma Dolly’s cookies, stories, and interest in their lives.

Dolly is also survived by her brother-in-law Ray (Kathy) Yaeger and sister-in-law Bev (Ozzie) Fonder, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends.

Dolly was preceded in death by her husband Ron; mother Elfrieda and fathers Leo Schultz and Alvin Heling; brothers Howard Schultz and Charles Heling; sister Luciann Yaeger; sisters-in-law Carmen Schultz, Sandra Schultz, and Betty Heling; special cousin Romilda Timm; mother-in-law and father-in-law Lorena and Joseph Pleshek; grandparents John and Bertha Schultz, Charlie and Mathilda Kopelke, and grandmother, Martha Heling.

Special thanks to the healthcare workers and caregivers at Shawano Place where Dolly recently resided, as well as the phenomenal efforts of Monica and Jolene at Moments Hospice for peacefully ushering Dolly into the next world.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Francis Solanus Parish in Gresham with Fr. Vincent Onyango Okumu officiating. Visitation will be held at the Parish on Friday, from 9:30 am until the time of service. Inurnment will be held at the church cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to either of the following organizations that were close to Dolly's heart: Gresham American Legion and Legion Auxiliary Post 390; Mohican Veterans Society.