Donna Burton Klapp

Donna Burton Klapp, 93, of Freeport, IL passed away Friday, July 5, 2024, at Winn Prairie with her daughters by her side. She was born Donna Mae to Roy and Esther (Raetz) Mensenkamp on June 8, 1931, and grew up in a big family alongside her three sisters. As a lifelong resident of Freeport, IL, Donna was a beloved member of several communities including the Momentum Art Guild (MAG), the Stephenson County Clerk’s Office serving as an Election Judge for many years, and most dear to her, St. John United Church of Christ. She shared fond memories of attending Christmas Eve services as a child where the congregation sang Silent Night in German. In later years she was very involved in the church’s holiday baking efforts, making her famous peanut brittle.

Donna recounted that she was lucky in life to have two great loves. In 1957 she married Arthur Burton and would go on to have her beloved daughters. After Arthur’s death, she found love again and married Zael Klapp on June 17, 1981; after 38 years of marriage, he passed away on May 7, 2019.

A life well lived is one filled with joy, love, and travel — that is the life Donna lived. Her favorite trip was a vacation to Alaska with Zael, which completed her tour of all 50 states. The two could be found driving to vintage car shows in Arizona, attending the Indy 500, or listening to jazz music. In her twenties, Donna traveled the country with her single girlfriends including an unforgettable trip to New York City in the 1950’s.

Donna’s life was also full of professional milestones; She colored black and white photos before color photography was invented; In the 1970’s became an insurance claims adjuster at Western State, where she was the only woman with that title. Donna will be remembered for her infectious energy, kindness, wit, and her beautiful oil paintings that are hung in the homes of loved ones all over the U.S..

Donna is survived by her two daughters, Dyan (Scott) Williamson and Angela (Daniel) Roque; Grandchildren, Mark (Paula) Beall Jr, Breanne (Kendall) Wisehart, and Rachel (Alec) Williamson Padilla; and Great-Grandchildren, Shannon Beall, Tyler Beall, and William Wisehart; family member Mark Beall; and close friend and support system Gloria Tibbitts.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three sisters, Norma Stolz, Sybil Scovill, and Rita Dinges.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm Monday, July 8, 2024, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport. Chaplain Sean Huguenin will officiate. Visitation is from 1:30 pm until the time of service. Her place of rest will be in Oakland Cemetery, Freeport, IL. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Freeport Art Museum in Donna’s memory.