Donna Dummer

Donna Dummer will be remembered for her independent spirit, her endless patience, and her gentleness to so many around her, but it was her unending service to her Lord and Savior for which she will be remembered most. She was gifted in crafts, sewing, and needlework, yet it was the way she used her talents in ways to bless those around her that made her stand out from the rest. Donna was a devoted mother who considered it a privilege to care for the three girls she shared with the love of her life. Although her family and friends will miss her dearly, they rejoice in knowing that Donna is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

The decade that became known as the “Roaring Twenties” was a vibrant time in America filled with speakeasies, flappers, and the prevalence of gangsters like Al Capone. It was in 1928 that we met Mickey Mouse, Herbert Hoover defeated Al Smith in the presidential election, and we eagerly watched as Amelia Earhart flew across the Atlantic. This same year was one of great joy for a young family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, since it was on January 17th that they celebrated the birth of a healthy baby girl. Donna was welcomed into the arms of her loving parents, Alfred and Nettie (Doorn) Schultz, and was the second of four children in her family including her sisters, Doris and June, and her brother, Dick. The Schultz family was a close knit group, and the relationships she had with her siblings were important to Donna throughout her life. She was raised on the northwest side of the city in homes on both Jackson and Hamilton Streets. Donna’s father worked in one of the many furniture manufacturing companies as Grand Rapids was known as “Furniture City” during the early part of the 20th century. Her mother worked at home and also for Payette Distributing, a wholesale company of soft goods.

From her earliest days, Donna was being shaped into the remarkable woman who was loved by many. Her mother modeled a heart of compassion for Donna and her siblings as she often fed the less fortunate who got off the nearby trains and stood by the fence in the backyard. Relationships with extended family members were highly valued as holidays were times for them all to gather together. The Schultz family were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church where the beliefs that guided Donna throughout her life were engraved upon her heart. Donna fostered her creative side from the time she was a young girl as she took to sewing, knitting and crocheting, embroidery, and other types of hand crafts. Although the family was not able to take vacations, they did enjoy fun-filled daily trips from time to time.

There were many things that kept Donna busy while she was growing up. She attended Immanuel Lutheran School and then went on to Union High School from which she later graduated. For several years summers found Donna at Camp Arcadia where she moved for the summer in order to cook food for the campers in attendance. She was also an active part of the Walther League, a Lutheran young peoples’ group. It was there that she grew to know the man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Bill Dummer and their relationship began as friendship and spanned several years. Bill went into the Army Air Corp to answer the call of his country during a time of need and when he returned home, he and Donna began dating. Over time, their relationship blossomed into a deep love, and they married on March 26, 1947, at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

After a honeymoon in Chicago and renting on Front Street the couple settled into a small home they purchased at 68 Montrose Street in Grand Rapids. Bill worked for a men’s clothing store while Donna worked for Bell Telephone. In 1951, they welcomed their daughter, Sue, into their hearts and home. In 1953 their daughter, Janice, came along and with the birth of Cindy in 1958, their family was complete. As mothers go, Donna was superb as she was blessed with endless amounts of the most essential ingredient needed – patience. She was a wonderful teacher who shared countless craft projects with her girls and also the art of canning in the kitchen. In fact, Donna was always honored to share her talents with anyone who was eager to learn.

With the free time she found, Donna took some time to pursue her interests. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church’s quilting guild for many years and of their mother’s club as well. She volunteered for their food pantry, and she also made doll clothes for the penny night carnival at church. These handmade outfits sold out every year. Donna was part of a group of ladies who started the Stitch and Cackle Club where they would sit around and chat and sew. She again put her creative talents to good use by making numerous hats for newborns at the area hospitals. Donna was an amazing cook who enjoyed all kinds of food. She always made butterhorns for Easter and no Christmas was complete without her springerles, a German cookie. Donna was an avid reader whose material included books, newspapers, and magazines, and she also enjoyed listening to polka music and a good old fashioned marches. She collected old sewing machines and blue glassware that have now become priceless treasures.

Throughout the sunset of her life, Donna was overjoyed that the Lord blessed her with the ability to remain in her own home until she drew her last breath. In recent years, Donna has been unable to visit her children around the country, but she kept close to them by phone. One of her greatest joys, in both Donna's and her family's lives, has been the annual family homecoming each Christmas. Donna went to be with her Savior, knowing that one day she will again be with her family in her heavinly home.

By the way she lived her life, Donna Dummer touched the lives of so many. She was a compassionate and gracious servant of the Lord she loved more than life itself. A patient and dedicated mother, Donna instilled within her girls the skills they needed to care for the children and grandchildren who will carry on her shining legacy. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Donna J. Dummer of Grand Rapids died on March 2, 2011. Donna’s family includes her children, Susan (Clint) Tol, Janice (Mark) Buss and Cindy (Cliff) Bossaller; grandchildren, Matt (Rebecca) Tol, Nicholas Tol and Mariah Root, Stephanie Tol, Jael (Brian) Sylva, Jordan (Karissa) (Donnoe) Buss, Micah Buss, Luke, Annie and Katie Bossaller; great-grandchildren, Ben, Justin, Jonathan, and David Sylva; her sister, June De Haan; brother, Dick (Dort) Schulz. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in December of 2000 and her sister, Doris Succop. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, March 6th, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Saturday, March 5th from 2- 4 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Immanuel Lutheran Church.