June 8, 1937 – December 21, 2025
Donna Ellen (Hay) Carlsen, Age 88, of Kenosha, WI, passed away on December 21, 2025.
Donna was born June 8, 1937, in Racine, WI, the daughter of Arther Hay and Ada Frances (Zwetsch) Hay.
In 1955, Donna graduated from Washington Park High School in Racine, WI, she married Einar Henry Carlsen in April of 1956 having four children, Kimberly Ann (David) Culp, Kokomo, IN, Kit Henry (Bonnie) Carlsen, Clackamas, OR, Khris Kenneth (Betty) Carlsen, Kenosha, WI, and Korey Arthur Carlsen, Kenosha, WI.
Donna volunteered at the Kenosha Memorial Hospital and was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, and a secretary at UW-Parkside. Donna was an avid cruiser and enjoyed reading historical books and watching movies. She also enjoyed serving aebleskivers at the Danish Brotherhood. At 4’9”, she was very spunky, coming across as somber sometimes, but would then crack a joke, breaking the ice due to her spunkiness. She was loved by the people she encountered in life and always had a story to tell.
Donna is survived by her four children, several grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; a niece, Tracy Hay, and a nephew, Randy Hay.
Preceding Donna in death are her parents and her brothers, Gordon Hay and David Hay.
Memorial will be held January 5, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, 4300 Green Bay Road, Kenosha, WI.
Donations may be made to: Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14, 1300 Sheridan Road #4439, Kenosha, WI 53140.
