Donna Mae Caan, 91, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Sheboygan Senior Community. Donna was born May 23, 1931, in
Sheboygan to the late Wesley and Mayda (Nelson) Van Zanten. She graduated from
Sheboygan North High School with the Class of 1949. On August 1, 1954, she was united in
marriage to her high school sweetheart, Donald Caan. They celebrated 60 wonderful years
together. Don preceded her in death on July 28, 2014.
Donna and Don owned and operated Caan’s Floral & Greenhouse. She was dedicated to the
business and her customers (she knew nearly everyone who walked into the flower shop by
name!) until retiring at 82 years young. Donna had a strong faith and was a member of St. Luke
United Methodist Church. She was a devoted mother to Kristine (David) Dirkse, Thomas
(Barbara) Caan and Kathy (Dan) Neitzel. Her family was her pride and joy, she loved hosting
everyone for the holidays (her ham sauce recipe was legendary!), playing card tournaments,
going on vacations and creating cherished memories. Donna had a passion for traveling, she
especially loved spending time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she enjoyed visiting
restaurants on her “list,” catching up with friends from around the world, whale watching and
nightly sunsets. Donna overcame many challenges to be able to spend two months there this
spring. She also enjoyed reading, playing bridge with friends, cross stich, trips to the casino
and watching sports — mainly football, basketball and golf.
Donna is further survived by her grandchildren; Matthew (Jessica) Parmley, Michael (Anna)
Parmley, Jess (Mike) Marshall, Julie Caan, David (Kerri) Caan, Jennifer (Max Brandwein)
McDermott, Laura (Jon) Blundell, Jessica McDermott and Kyle Neitzel, by 11 great-
grandchildren and 1 great-grandson on the way, her sister Mary (William) Green and sister-in-
law Joann Caan, she is further survived by nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Donna
was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Don, brother Bill Van Zanten and
brothers-in-law Robert Caan and Donald (Betty) Steinbreucker. Donna’s family will forever
remember her as their “rock,” a loving matriarch who brought everyone together with her
strength, kindness, listening ear and always-full candy dish. A funeral service will be held on
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Hope Reformed Church, 612 Ontario Ave., Sheboygan,
with Rev. Bill Te Winkle officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 10:45 AM until 12:45 AM at the CHURCH. If you are unable to
join the family for the service it will be livestreamed on Donna’s obituary page on the funeral
home website.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the Sheboygan YMCA in
Donna’s name.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave you condolences for the family
www.ballhornchapels.com
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