Donna Apgar, longtime adoption coordinator for Winnebago County Animal Services, dies from cancer

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current

ROCKFORD — Donna Apgar, who spent decades caring for animals and connecting families with new pets, died Wednesday from breast cancer, Winnebago County Animal Services said via Facebook. She was 65.

The longtime adoption program coordinator was a fixture on local TV and radio broadcasts for years as she tirelessly advocated for animals in need of a new home. Her bright personality shined in person and over the air as she helped connect families with new furry friends.

“She was instrumental in helping to find new homes and positive outcomes for countless animals over the years and her compassion for pets was plain for anyone to see, whether on television or in person,” Animal Services wrote on Facebook. “Even when dealing with her own personal health, she continued to work to make a difference every day in the lives of pets and the people who care for them.”

Apgar had started treatment for Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2015, she wrote on Facebook at the time. She continued to work for Animal Services until retiring last year. She spent 26 years combined with Animal Services, first as a volunteer in 1994, a founding member of the Winnebago County Animal Services Auxiliary in 1997, and then as a staff member of the department beginning in 2006. She previously worked 19 years for Barber-Colman.

“Donna gave so many years and so much compassion and energy to the Winnebago County community and specifically to helping pets in need,” Animal Services’ post reads.

But her goodwill wasn’t limited to the department. In 2008, she co-founded the pet food pantry Kibble Korner and later she launched the Lost Cats Illinois Facebook page after seeing so many missing cats come to Animal Services.

Apgar was born in 1956 in Germany, raised in the Machesney Park area and graduated from Harlem High School, according to her obituary. She was married to Bill Apgar for 47 years.

A funeral for will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park. A visitation will be held at 9 a.m. until the time of service.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.