Donna Wanicki, age 88, formerly of Highland, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026.

Donna worked as a school secretary at Warren Elementary School in Highland, and was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Highland for over 60 years. Her many volunteer projects included being a member of the Altar Guild at Redeemer (her favorite volunteer activity!), was a scout leader and a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Mary and Martha Circle, and played in the Redeemer handbell choir. She also delivered Meals on Wheels.

Born in Hammond, Indiana on December 27, 1937 to Clarence and Laura Wahl, she had one brother and two sisters (who preceded her in death). She attended Hammond Tech High School, where she met her future husband, Fred Wanicki, Sr, who predeceased her. They were blessed throughout their 46 years of marriage with the joy of their four children: Beth (Jim) Williamson of Denver, NC; Fred (Laura) Wanicki, Jr. of Dyer, IN; Debby (Cary) Klager of Toana, VA; and Tom (Beth) Wanicki of Crown Point, IN. Never has anyone been more proud of their grandchildren than she was of her nine: Jennifer (Andrew) Miller, Jay (Satoko) Williamson, Niki Adams, Stephanie (Ryan) Spencer, Cassi (Justin) LeDuc, Mallory Wanicki, and Ben, Sarah, and Drew Wanicki. Anytime she could cheer them on at one of their sporting events or programs, she was at her happiest. We can still see her shaking her fists in the air and yelling “yahooooo!” Her nine great-grandchildren and her great-great-granddaughter were also some of her greatest treasures, and she loved hearing from them or about their activities. Her legacy will continue to shine on in her children and grands.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, October 2nd from 9:30am-11:00am at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 9009 Kennedy Avenue in Highland, IN. Service will follow the visitation at 11:00am, followed by being laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Cemetery. Solan Pruzin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and Rev. Eric Kleinschmidt is officiating. At Donna’s specific request (in the many, many instructions she left us!), please omit flowers. She requested any gifts in her memory be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Highland; Trinity Lutheran Church, Crown Point; American Heart Association; or American Cancer Society.

Donna was a child of God, and we rejoice that she is in heaven, and look forward to the day we will see her again. We also will think of her with a smile every time we pass a White Castle or Miner Dunn or a Dairy Queen.

The family would like to thank the PACE program at Franciscan, Dyer who lovingly cared of Donna the last year, which allowed her to stay in her home; and also the ICU team at Franciscan Crown Point who took such wonderful care of Donna in her last few days.