| Graduation Year | Class of 1969 |
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1951 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 09, 2025 |
| About | (no additional information) |
| Events | Donna B. Soto, 74, of Watertown, went home to be with her Lord & Savior unexpectedly, Tuesday December 9, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center in Summit. Donna Bernice Mitchell was born in Watertown on May 28, 1951, to Robert and Janice (Bartz) Mitchell. She graduated from Watertown High School Class of 1969, she continued her education at MATC, where she earned her degree as an LPN nurse, and later becoming an RN. Our mom, Donna, was a dedicated and compassionate nurse whose life was defined by caring for others. She spent decades serving the community at Oconomowoc Hospital, Watertown Hospital and Marquardt Memorial Manor. She also cared for cadets at St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield and later helped shape the next generation of nurses teaching the associate degree nursing program at MATC. Mom eventually retired from Oakwood Village in Madison having touched countless lives with her kindness and steady presence. Beyond her work, Mom found joy in the places and moments that felt like home. She especially loved her time “up north” in Tomahawk at the family's cabin—autumn was her favorite, when the colors were brilliant and the air crisp. She enjoyed quiet evenings with a good book or working on her diamond art projects, losing herself in the peaceful rhythm of creating. During the summer months you could find her enjoying the great outdoors sitting poolside watching her grandkids play, or catching the day's sunset overlooking the family farm. Mom was a loyal Wisconsin sports fan through and through—cheering on the Packers, Brewers, UW women’s volleyball, and the WNBA with genuine enthusiasm. But nothing brought her more happiness or pride than watching her kids and grandkids compete in the sports they loved. She was always our biggest supporter, the loudest cheerleader, and the one who believed in us without hesitation. Mom lived for her children and grandchildren! Her dog, Riley, was her constant companion, and faithful friend. To us, Mom was love, encouragement, and quiet strength. She taught us what it meant to show up for others—through her work, through her devotion to family, and through the way she lived every day. We will miss her deeply, but we carry her with us in the values she instilled and the memories we were lucky enough to make together. Though we will miss her every day, we take comfort in knowing she is at home in heaven with her parents, and loved ones who passed before her. Her kindness and spirit remain with us. We will hold her in our hearts forever. Mom leaves behind her children, Nate (Lisa) Soto, Melissa (Nick) Draeger, Angie (Sean) Butler, and Andi (Marco Alvarado) Soto; grandchildren, Kaylee (Jordan Heth) Soto, Alex Soto, Hayden Soto, Addy Draeger, Jon Butler, and Jase Butler; great-granddaughter, Stevie Heth; father of her children, Fidel (Laura) Soto; brothers, Stan (Donald) Mitchell, Randy Mitchell, Rich (Jeff) Mitchell, and Steve (Kathy) Mitchell; nieces Madison Mitchell, and Sydney Mitchell; as well as cousins, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Rick Brewer officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Concord Methodist Cemetery. Memorials, if desidered can be directed to the Watertown Humane Society, or charity of one's choice. Hafemeister Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com, |
