Donna Jean Feringa

All who knew Donna Feringa will surely agree that she truly understood the secret to a life well lived, never taking a single moment for granted. She was a constant source of strength and was the rock of her family and community, no matter the circumstances. Nothing brought Donna greater joy than spending time with her loved ones. Her dedication to her family was the focus of all that she did, and she exemplified what it meant to lead a life of faith and selflessness. Deeply loved, Donna will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

The early 1930s were certainly some difficult years for those living in the United States. The Great Depression strained the nation following the devastating stock market crash just a short time before. Families across the country struggled to find a way to thrive in their time of need. During these dark years, however, there was happiness to be found in the household of Raymond and Jennie (Schoolmaster) Koster of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their firstborn child. On August 27, 1931, they excitedly announced the arrival of their daughter, Donna Jean.

Donna’s childhood unfolded on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids near Marne. She was raised in the family home alongside her younger sister, Rosalyn. The family had a farm with chickens, pigs, cats, and dogs. Donna’s father, Raymond, was a farmer and worked for the city while her mother, Jenny, was a teacher at West Side Christian School. Throughout her younger years, Donna and her family were members of Walker Christian Reformed Church. She attended local schools, and as a girl, she would walk to the nearby one-room schoolhouse. Donna graduated from high school and began working as a teller at Old Kent Bank, riding the bus to work each day.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Donna as she fell in love with the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Bob Feringa, and the two first met at church. Bob was instantly drawn to Donna, and after finally working up the nerve to ask her out, he offered her a ride home. It was after the third ride that Donna started to catch on that he was interested. The two began dating, and their relationship quickly blossomed. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Donna and Bob were married in the parsonage at Walker Christian Reformed Church on May 18, 1955. The newlyweds then honeymooned in Colorado to visit Bob’s brother, who was stationed there in the service at the time.

Of all the things Donna loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Bob were overjoyed to become parents to their six beloved children, Douglas, Scott, Roger, Karen, Kenneth, and Barbara. Though Kenneth passed away as an infant at only 11 weeks old, he always held a special place in Donna’s heart and memory. She thrived in her role as a mother, and she instilled in her children the importance of kindness and a strong work ethic. Donna and Bob made many sacrifices to send their kids to West Side Christian School and Calvin Christian High School, but they believed the cost was well worth it. Vacations were funded by the family vegetable garden that everyone worked together to tend. Donna prided herself on being frugal and making every dollar stretch so that she could provide well for her children. Later on, she was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Donna adored her grandkids and doted on them whenever she could, and she looked forward to seeing her family after church on Sundays each week. Donna considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Donna carried her solid work ethic with her through her entire life, and it allowed her to serve her family and community well. After her children were in school, she began working in the office for DLP, a company that made plastic molds for heart surgeries. Donna also taught sewing at 4H for several years. In the early 2000s, Donna and Bob joined Remembrance Church, which would become their church home for many years to come. She taught Sunday school and folded bulletins at church. Donna volunteered her time and energy at Edison Christian Health Center as well, often leading Bingo games or folding laundry. No task was beneath her, and she poured her heart and soul into serving all those around her.

Not one to sit still for long, Donna had many hobbies to keep her busy in her free time. She loved big meals with meat, vegetables, and plenty of potatoes with her family gathered around the table. Donna was an avid reader, especially of Christian and Amish novels. She had a huge sweet tooth, and seafoam and Sugar Babies were her favorite treats. Donna liked playing Soduko, and she loved having her flowers in the garden that Bob tended for her. Following Bob’s retirement in 1992, the two began traveling the country and the world. Over the years, they visited all 50 states and went to Hawaii five times. Donna and Bob made trips to many locations in Europe as well, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden. They loved meeting friends for coffee at Big Apple Bagel and making their new home at Lincoln Square, now Storypoint, where they built many new friendships as well.

When looking back on the rich and overflowing life of Donna Feringa, it is easy to see that she dedicated each and every day to caring for others. A remarkable woman from the inside out, she was a radiant example of kindness and compassion. Donna always held her loved ones close through all the ups and downs of life. Her generous heart allowed her to impact so many lives for the better, and she was a blessing in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be greatly missed, Donna leaves behind a priceless legacy that her family and friends will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Donna Jean Feringa, aged 93 of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and infant son, Kenneth Feringa. Donna is survived by her children, Doug (Pat) Feringa, Scott (Dawn) Feringa, Roger Feringa (Nancy Hatch), Karen (Steve) VanHouten. Barbara Szymanski; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends. A special thank you to StoryPoint, Edison Christian Health Center and Faith Hospice for the loving care and compassion shown. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Remembrance Church, 4575 Remembrance Rd NW. The family will receive family and friends on Monday from 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW and on Tuesday at church for 1 hr prior to the service. Contributions may be made to West Side Christian School. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Celebrate Donna’s life by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com