Deanna Jo Chaffee, age 81, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at Lafayette Hospital & Clinics in Darlington, Wisconsin. She was born on December 1, 1944, in Michigan, the daughter of Howard Elwood and Helen Marie (Kleinfeld) Stuedeman.
Deanna spent her early years in Garden City, Michigan. Throughout her life, she had a natural artistic ability and a love for creating things with her hands. Her talents could be seen in many forms, including stained glass, pastel drawings of wildlife, knitting, sewing, and creating children’s costumes. Her creativity also became part of her working life. She worked for Traverse Wool & Bay in Traverse City, Michigan, and later used her talents while working at Dollywood and Silver Dollar City in the Table Rock Lake, Missouri, area.
Outside of her artistic pursuits, Deanna enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures. She loved to bake and was known to share her homemade treats with neighbors and friends. She enjoyed gardening and had a special love for her dogs, who were treasured companions throughout the years. Deanna was also a devoted caregiver to her parents, lovingly caring for them during their later years.
Deanna eventually made her home in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Among the memories her sons continue to hold dear are the Christmases she created for them when they were young. She had a way of making the holiday special and magical, leaving them with memories that remained even as the years passed.
Deanna is survived by her sons, David (Kelli) Chaffee of Blanchardville, Wisconsin, and Ebon (Jennifer) Chaffee of Springfield, Missouri; her grandchildren, Crystal (Jim) Schubert, Amber (Robert Hill) Berge, Tyler Chaffee, Chenoa Chaffee, Gunnar Chaffee, Jameson Chaffee and Tyler Chaffee; her great-grandchildren, Wylie, Klara, Marina, Charlotte, Wyatt, Skylar, Kayden, Bella, Jax, and Zander; and her great-great-grandson, Soren. She is further survived by her sister, Connie Holling; her brother, Howard (Linda) Stuedemann; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Helen Stuedeman; and her brother-in-law, Garrett Holling.
Per Deanna’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington, Wisconsin, is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.