Donna M. Christiansen

Donna M. Christiansen, 98, of Port Clinton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 7, 1927, in Port Clinton, Ohio, Donna was the daughter of Emery and Emma (Williamson) Qualman. A true daughter of Port Clinton, Donna was a lifelong resident who cherished the community she proudly called home for nearly a century. Her roots ran deep, and she took great pride in the people, traditions, and waterfront lifestyle that made Port Clinton so special. She graduated from Port Clinton High School with the Class of 1945.

In June 1947, Donna married Ronald Windnagel, with whom she shared many happy years until his life was tragically cut short in an accident on October 9, 1965. In August 1969, she married Henry Christiansen, and together they built a wonderful life until his passing in 2014.

Donna's work ethic was evident throughout her life. She was employed at U.S. Gypsum and the A&P Grocery Store before beginning a long and rewarding career at Port Clinton National Bank.

Donna found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially those that reflected her love for the outdoors and the Port Clinton waterfront. She loved fishing for perch and walleye on Lake Erie and treasured every opportunity to be on the water. She enjoyed living along the waterfront and embraced the many activities it offered. As a young girl, some of her fondest memories were made at Vista Villa, the lakeside community her father helped establish, where she spent countless happy days with family and friends. She also enjoyed accompanying her mother while trapping muskrat, creating memories she cherished throughout her life.

She loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and was proud to mow her own lawn until she was 95 years old. She delighted in birdwatching from the comfort of her home and spent many enjoyable hours completing Sudoku puzzles, working jigsaw puzzles, and faithfully watching Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune; though she often joked that the shows just weren't the same after the hosts changed.

She loved playing cards, especially Uno and pinochle, proudly declaring with a smile that pinochle "is my game." She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, baking, and sharing her homemade treats with family, friends, and neighbors. Nothing made Donna happier than having her family gathered together.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Donna was a devoted and proud member of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton, where she faithfully worshipped for many years. She was also a founding member of the Mothers Round Table, serving from 1948 until 2007. Through the organization, she participated in numerous philanthropic projects that benefited the Port Clinton community and reflected her lifelong spirit of generosity and service.

Donna is survived by her children, Richard (Joan) Windnagel, John (Felicia) Windnagel, and Jane (Nathan) Lampe; her stepchildren, Bonnie (Mel) Rittner, John (Jo Ann) Christiansen, and Nancy (Rob) Twynham; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Audrey Sprenger; nieces, Linda (Tom) Russell and Karen (Kenyon) Hunter; nephew, Allen (Leslie) Qualman; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emery and Emma Qualman; her husbands, Ronald Windnagel and Henry Christiansen; her brother, Roland (Lenore) Qualman; and many beloved extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, Port Clinton. A funeral service celebrating Donna's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 207 Adams Street, Port Clinton, Ohio. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Reserve Care Hospice or St. John Lutheran Church.