Beaverton Historical Society
Gladwin County Obituary/Death Notice
 
Father Jeffery Donner

   Father Jeffery J. Donner "Jeffie Joe", 55, of Gladwin, beloved son, brother, uncle, teacher and Father to thousands, died unexpectedly Saturday, March 4, 2006, doing what he loved to do – celebrating the liturgy at his church in Gladwin.

   Jeff was born in Midland to Ruth (Lordan) and the late Jack Donner on March 23, 1950, the third of six children. His family will always miss him. He graduated from St. Paul’s Seminary in 1968, and was ordained in 1978. Jeff dedicated his life to loving and giving to others.

   His abundant love for life spilled over into his creativity and lively imagination. He loved to create and felt very much a part of God’s ongoing creation. His talents were many, and music was his great joy. We will all miss him playing the piano, organ, cello, guitar and tuba.

   He will always be present in the special liturgical spaces he designed; first the liturgical year in tiles in the center of the church floor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chesaning, and again at St. University Parish in Mt. Pleasant. The lovely windows there will always remind us of Jeff’s love for God’s work in our lives, each one representing a department of the University. His brother, Mike said, "Jeff always walked in beauty". He was a prolific writer and speaker, always challenging people’s beliefs and thoughts. He liked debates and discussions, and was really a lifelong learner. Jeff was fascinated by genealogy, and over several years spent time researching his ancestors.

   He liked playing bridge, golf and doing crossword puzzles. He always maintained a good sense of humor and silliness. Although many stories can be told about him, it’s unlikely that anyone will think of him without a grin or a smile, remembering how he warmly and lovingly touched their lives.

   The family would like to offer special thanks for the care given to Jeff at the Gladwin Hospital, and for the compassion and expertise of Dr. Roller and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Donner-O’Hara; brothers, John Michael (Marsha) Donner of Vancouver, Mark (Joan) Donner of Warwick, New York, Patrick (Debra Lynn) Donner of Midland; sisters, Margaret Robinson (friend, Mary Mulvey) of Midland, and Jean Marie (Terry) Paquet of Traverse City.

   Also surviving are nine nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2006 from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3109 Swede Avenue. Celebrants will be The Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson, Father Peter Gaspeny, Father David Parsch and Father Bert Gohm, with burial to take place in Midland Cemetery.

   Visitation for Father Jeff will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gladwin. Visitation will continue 2-9 p.m. Wednesday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Midland with a Christian Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m., and on Thursday from 12 noon until time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Gladwin Sacred Heart Mission, or Mt. Pleasant St. Mary’s University Parish. Arrangements for Father Donner have been entrusted to the care of the Ware- Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland, where there will be no visitation or services. If you are unable to visit the family in person, condolences may be sent through www.waresmithwoolever. com.

 
 
Personal Information
Death Date
Burial/Final Location
Service
03/04/2006
Midland Cemetery, Midland, MI
unk
 
Publication Information
Pub. Date
Publication
Pub. Page
03/08/2006
Gladwin County Record, Gladwin, MI
P:A2 C:?
 
Transcription Information
Date
Transcribed by
Source Media
September 2009
Bob Frei
Microfilm
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Posted by Bob Frei with the assistance of Jeff Naugle