Donna Sienko

As family and friends will certainly agree, Donna Sienko truly lived each and every day she was given to the very fullest. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and she never backed down from a challenge. Throughout the ups and downs of life, Donna’s family was her first priority, and she always held her loved ones close. Her genuine joy and insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around her. Deeply loved, Donna will be forever missed and remembered.

Those who lived through the 1930s in the United States will remember those years as tumultuous and strained for many. The Great Depression buckled the country, and families all across the nation were united in their efforts to pull together and make ends meet. During this difficult time, however, there was a ray of happiness for Adolph Jospeh and Artlissa Vern (Bailey) Stradinger of Mancelona, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their baby. On August 8, 1934, they eagerly welcomed their daughter, Donna Marie, into the world.

In many ways, Donna enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation. She was raised in the family home on the East Bay in Traverse City, Michigan, alongside her siblings, Denny, David, and Sally. The Stradinger siblings were inseparable. Donna’s father worked as a school teacher and for Standard Oil while her mother worked for Essex Wire and as an excellent homemaker. When Donna was young, she enjoyed memorable vacations with her family to visit friends in the Upper Peninsula. Holidays were always a special time to be spent with family and at church. Donna built the foundation of her faith at her family’s church, St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City.

Throughout her childhood, Donna liked swimming, laying on the beach, and attending dances. She had a talent for music and enjoyed playing the piano and the accordion. Donna attended local schools, including Mancelona Elementary School and St. Francis High School. As a senior in high school, she won the “Gift of Chatter” award, which she passed on to a shy incoming senior. Following her graduation from St. Francis, Donna went on to pursue further education at Davenport College, working towards her business degree.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Donna as she met the young man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was Eugene Sienko, and the two first met at Duffy’s Tavern on Michigan Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There was an instant connection between Donna and Gene. She loved that he was so family-oriented, which was very important to her. Their relationship blossomed as they dated for a short time, falling deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Donna and Gene were married on August 21, 1965, at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral Chapel in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before settling down in an upstairs apartment on Eastern Avenue. Donna and Gene worked together as the proud owners of Kit Kat Restaurant in Grand Rapids.

Of all the things Donna loved in life, there was nothing she treasured more than her family. She and Gene were overjoyed to bring their two beloved children, Elizabeth and Jeff, into their hearts and home. Donna thrived in her role as a mother, and her children were her greatest pride and joy. She was their biggest supporter in everything. Later on, Donna was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and took every opportunity to dote and love on them. Donna always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

After nearly 40 years of marriage, Donna was dealt a devastating blow when Gene passed away. She leaned on her friends, family, and faith to get through the grief. Years later, Donna was fortunate to once again find deep companionship with Gordon Hankinson, who she met online. Over the next 20 years, Donna and Gordy enjoyed traveling and embarking on adventures together. He held a very special place in her heart, and he took great care of her as well.

Never one to sit still for long, Donna pursued many hobbies to keep busy in her free time. She liked listening to classic country and Christian contemporary music. Donna’s favorite authors were Nicholas Sparks and Steven King, and she especially liked the book The Shack. She loved to cook, and food was one of her love languages. At the restaurant, Donna made hamburgers, chili, and all kinds of breakfasts; at home, she loved making Polish cabbage rolls and potato salad. Her favorite things to eat were Culver’s onion rings, Chinese food, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and orange sherbet. Donna enjoyed traveling with her loved ones. Over the years, she visited many state parks as well as Las Vegas, Disney World, and Niagara Falls. Donna faithfully attended the Salvation Army on Fulton Street weekly. She loved participating in the senior activities and CBS Bible Sunday. Donna made many friends at the Salvation Army and was very committed to learning Bible verses.

When reflecting on the life of Donna Sienko, it is easy to see her unwavering faith and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of kindness and compassion, and she would open her arms to anyone and everyone. Nothing brought Donna greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. Her heart of service allowed to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Though she will be dearly missed, Donna leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones can be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Donna Marie Sienko, age 90 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025 while in the company of her family. She was born in Traverse City, Michigan in the summer of 1934 to the late Adolph and Artlissa [Bailey] Stradinger. Along with her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her husband Eugene J. Sienko as well as by her brother Denny Stradinger. She is survived by her children: Elizabeth (Russ) Whitaker and Jeff Sienko; her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Kurt, Justin, Stephanie, Steven and Meghan and her great-grandson, Luciano as well as by her sister Sally Witkop and brother David (Lynn) Stradinger. Donna is also survived by her special friend of 18 years, Gordon, "Gordy" Hankinson as well as by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services, followed by a reception, will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 1 pm. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien-Creston Chapel, (1833 Plainfield NE. Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49505). Relatives and friends are invited to meet with her family at the funeral chapel prior to the service beginning at 12 noon. Donna's family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Salvation Army in Kent County, (1215 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). Please take time to celebrate Donna's life by sharing stories and photos on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com.