Donna M. Schmidt Buss

Donna M. Schmidt Buss, 92, of Merrill, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. She was born November 29, 1933, to Alfred and Alice (Lemke) Rusch.

Donna married Orville Schmidt on May 30, 1953, he passed away on April 17, 1992. On July 2, 1998, she married Robert Buss in Merrill. Sadly, Bob passed away on December 15, 2016.

After graduating from Merrill High School, Donna worked at various secretarial positions, including the former Citizen’s American Bank, ASC Office, Merrill Woolen Mills, Mortgage Associates, Selective Service, and lastly Northcentral Technical College, retiring from N.T.C. in June of 1998.

Donna and Bob enjoyed traveling to many states, and also to the Bahamas, Mexico, and Hawaii. A special trip was the one made in 2008 to seven European countries. Donna also enjoyed working in her flower garden, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her children and grandchildren and their families. She also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. She especially enjoyed her weekly luncheons and playing dominos with several great friends. (Keep laughing girls & enjoy life!)

Donna is survived by daughter, Connie (Tim) Noragon; son, James (Rae) Schmidt; grandsons, Adam (Kim) Schmidt, Paul (Heidi) Schmidt, and Nikolaus (Liz) Schmidt; great-grandchildren, Emmett, Everett, Beckett, Kora, August, Ivar, and Evelyn; sister-in-law, Diane Buss; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding Donna in death were her parents, Alfred and Alice Rusch; her husbands, Orville Schmidt and Robert Buss; son, Thomas Schmidt; beloved sisters, Betty Iwen Retzlaff and Phyllis Bell Vickers; infant brother, Ardell Rusch; and brothers-in-law, Donald Iwen, Donald Retzlaff, Harry Bell, and Aubrey Vickers.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, August 28, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. Rev. Dwayne Lueck will preside. Burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Village of Maine, Marathon County. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M., Friday at the funeral home.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

If desired, memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church – Merrill or the charity of your choice.