Donna Raye (Simpson) Polnau

Carterville

Donna R. Polnau, 78, of Carterville, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Premier Senior Living in Carterville, surrounded by her family. 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville, with reflections by her family and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Anne West Lindsey District Library in Carterville, or to an animal shelter of your choosing. 

Donna was born on August 9, 1946, in Herrin, to Duncan and Delores (Chambers) Simpson.  She married Richard John Polnau in Las Vegas on March 8, 1974.  He preceded her in death on January 28, 2014.

She is survived by her mother, Delores Simpson; sister, Dianna (Pete) Hall; nephew, Garrett (January) Fozzard; niece, Julie (Tommy) Jacobs; special cousin, Linda (Robbie) Church; special friend, Eric Rice; her dogs, Sugar Pie and Honey Bunch.

She was preceded in death by her father, Duncan Simpson, and husband, Richard Polnau.

Donna worked for the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles for many years, retiring in 2017.

She loved her animals, classical music, and was an avid reader. 

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