Donna Mae Van Slate died on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Hospice House in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was born in Black Brook, Wisconsin, on August 10, 1931, to the late Ed Rosen and Kay (Newville) Rosen a/k/a Carla Cortright, a/k/a Kay Madenwaldt. In 1940 at the age of 10, she moved to Merrill to live with her mother and step-father, William Cortright. She attended Merrill High School graduating in 1949. She went on to study accounting at North Central Technical Institute. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. In 1950, Donna married George Layman (deceased) and they became the parents of Scott D. Layman. In 1964 she married again to Woodrow Van Slate (deceased.). Donna worked for The Wisconsin Window Unit when she first started working. Then she worked in the audit department for Employers Mutual, Wausau, Wisconsin. Donna retired from the Ward Paper Company after 25 years of service, where she served as Assistant to the Comptroller and as the Senior Accountant for International Paper, Merrill division.

She was preceded in death by her mother Kay Cortright-Madenwaldt, father: Ed Rosen, step-father: William Cortright, step-father: Ambrose Madenwaldt, sisters: Joyce Johnston, and Colleen Renkens, brother: William Rosen, son: Scott Layman and husbands: George Layman and Woodrow Van Slate. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Brenda Layman, granddaughter: Gretta Layman, grandson: Cory Layman and great-grandson Soren Layman all of Chippewa Falls, WI and four half siblings.

Donna hopes to be remembered as a compassionate friend, a caring listener with a touch of humor striving to keep a positive outlook on life. Donna was blessed in life by a number of good friends.

A funeral liturgy will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at Waid Funeral Home. Father Maria Vallabhanenia will officiate. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 9:00 am until the time of service also at the funeral home. Entombment at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.