Donna Marie Koderhandt, nee Isselhardt, age 81, born on September 16, 1944, in Clayton, MO, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at the Freeburg Care Center, Freeburg, IL.
Donna lived a life defined by faith, dedication, resilience and love. She touched countless lives through her work at St. John’s Day Care Center, working her way up to Director, a position she deeply cherished, she took great pride in helping young lives grow and flourish and many families were blessed by her kindness and leadership.
Outside of work, Donna found joy in crocheting. Through every stitch, she created beautiful handmade afghans for family and friends, sharing her love through gifts that will be cherished for generations. She also enjoyed camping, especially at Lake Congress or Chip O Will, and visiting Branson. Donna had a strong passion for anything chicken.
At the age of 58, she suffered a debilitating stroke that dramatically changed the course of her life. Despite the many challenges she faced afterward, she met them with remarkable courage and determination. Though her physical abilities were greatly affected, her humor, quick wit and faith never wavered.
Donna was the beloved wife of David, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. She was a loving mother to Denise Feld (Lenny Olliges), Deanna (Rick) Wilkin, and Daryl (Carrie) Koderhandt; a proud grandmother to Donelle (Ryan) Wilkin, Darcie Feld (Eric Moody), Paige (Anthony) Lombardo, Dalton Koderhandt, Drake Koderhandt and was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Payton Wilkin, whose memory she carried in her heart. Donna was also blessed with great-grandchildren Evelyn and Eleanor Wilkin, Emmitt Moody and Leo Lombardo.
In addition to her beloved family mentioned above, Donna is survived by her sister, Mary Simmons, sister in laws, Patty Rompel, Karen Daesch, Linda Koderhandt, Madeline Koderhandt, brother-in-law, Chris Koderhandt, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friend, Sister Barbara Kuper PHJC, and other relatives and friends.
Donna was proceeded in death by her parents, Bill and Dorothy, nee Shaner, Isselhardt, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Mabel Koderhandt, brothers-in-law, George, Jim and Steve Koderhandt and sister-in-law, Janet Kohlmeier.
Memorials may be made to the Bob Barczewski Patient Care Fund at the Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, MSC 1082-414-2555, on behalf of her son, Daryl, who is undergoing treatment, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO. 63130 or Clinton County Humane Society.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026 at St Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
Though she will be deeply missed, her life reminds us that strength is not measured by the absence of hardship, but by the courage to keep going despite it. The challenges she faced revealed a remarkable resilience that will remain an enduring example to all who loved her.
