Donna Hoeft

Donna Hoeft of Port Washington, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family in the afternoon hours of Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg. She was 81 years old.

Donna was born on Dec. 7, 1943, in New Orleans, La., the daughter of Louis and Muriel (nee Canella) Quader.  

She grew up in Thousand Oaks, Calif., before moving to Port Washington as a teenager. She graduated from Port Washington High School with the Class of 1961. 

On June 23, 1962, she married Mark Hoeft at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. The couple were married for 54 years before Mark’s passing in 2016.

While raising their five children, Donna worked part time as the bookkeeper and office manager for the family business, Four Seasons Sales & Service in Port Washington. Her greatest devotion, however, was to her family. She dedicated her life to raising her children and was especially involved in the upbringing of her six grandchildren, with whom she shared countless memories. 

Donna delighted in seeing the world through the eyes of her children and grandchildren, and brought joy to every family gathering, ensuring there was never a dull moment by organizing games and activities for all to enjoy. She cherished attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and music performances, becoming such a familiar presence that their teammates and friends also affectionately referred to her as “Gramzy.” 

Beyond her role as a devoted mother and grandmother, Donna enjoyed playing Scrabble with friends and family, her annual trips to Door County, late-night phone calls and binge-watching TV shows or Hallmark movies with her dog Sweetie faithfully by her side. 

She was a longtime member of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish (St. Mary’s). When her children were young, she was active in Scouting and volunteering at Port Washington High School as a tutor.

Donna is survived by her three sons, Brian Hoeft of Landrum, S.C., Brad (Sue) Hoeft of Port Washington and Brent (Anne) Hoeft of Fitchburg, and her twin daughters Barbara Kaja and Bonnie (Michael) Penkwitz of Port Washington.  

She is further survived by six grandchildren, Maria, Sydney, Sam, Sierra, Evan and Julia; one brother, David (Suzy) Quader of Ocean Pines, Md.; one sister-in-law, Mary (the late George) Niedermeyer of Saukville; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Mark, her grandson Collin Hoeft, her parents Louis and Muriel Quader and her in-laws Clarence and Loretta Hoeft.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 28, at 5 p.m. at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 430 N. Johnson St., Port Washington. Father Patrick Wendt will preside over the Mass. Visitation will take place at the church on Friday, Nov. 28, from 2:30 to 4:45 p.m.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband Mark at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Washington. 

Family and friends are invited to gather for food, refreshments and remembrance following the Nass at the American Legion Post 82 Hall, 435 Lake St., Port Washington, WI 53074.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John XXIII Catholic School.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to serve the Hoeft family. 

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.