Donna Jean Herremans
Donna Jean Herremans, 90, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 23, 2026, with much love and support from her family. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Gordon and Esther (Ford) Kingsford; husband of 68 years, John Herremans; beloved son, Patrick ‘Pat’ Neil Herremans; and sisters, Nancy Dickinson and Francis Afton. She will be deeply missed by: children, Craig (Lynda) Herremans, Kathleen Herremans, Louis (Gwen) Herremans, and Michael (Audrey) Herremans; grandchildren, Jonathan (Jamie) Herremans, Brittany (Joe) Carl, Michele (Leo) Uber, Krysta (Jacob) Deshaler, Brianna (R.J.) Virkstis, Kayla Erickson, Ashley (Jerry) Gran, Christian (Nicole) Herremans, Morgan, Blake and Cole Herremans, and Landen and Braden Herremans; brother, Gordon Kingsford; sisters, Carol Maxim and Coral Vrieling; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Donna was born September 22, 1935, in Fremont. She grew up on her parents’ sheep farm near Fremont where she learned to work hard, a trait she carried with her all her life. Growing up, Donna loved being outdoors helping her dad or riding her horse. She also loved to sing and dance. Going to local dances was her favorite activity as a teenager. It was at a dance where she met John, her future husband. When John returned from his overseas enlistment, they married and moved to the Cherry Point Marine Air Base in Havelock, N.C. where they lived two years and welcomed their first child.
In 1959, Donna and John moved back to his family farm in Walkerville to join John’s dad with the farm and auctioneering businesses. Donna stayed busy being a full-time farm wife, homemaker and mother to Craig, Kathy and Louie for the next 13 years. Then to John and Donna’s surprise and delight, they were blessed with twin boys Mike and Pat which made life even more busy and joyous. Donna was a great cook and loved to bake pies and goodies for her family and extended family who came to the farm often. She was an expert canner of fresh farm produce and has thankfully shared her knowledge with family. Donna did many jobs on the farm including making wreaths, grading apples and asparagus. At 61 years old, she began working in the food industry prepping food and did so for more than 15 years. She loved the social interaction during this time with customers and co-workers.
During her later years, Grandma Donna showered her grand and great-grandchildren with love, hugs and kisses, and cookies. When great-grandkids arrived in her life 10 years ago, there was almost always a baby in her arms at family events. She was famous for bringing her potato salad or fruit salad along with mac and cheese “for the kids” to all family gatherings. Her love of dancing never wavered and at weddings, she and John energetically showed everyone how to polka. She loved attending grandkids and great grandkids weddings, graduations, baptisms, sporting events, band concerts and dance recitals right up to within months of her passing.
Funeral services to celebrate Donna’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Shelby Road Baptist, 4066 West Shelby Road, Shelby with a light luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart.
In memory of Donna and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Newaygo County Compassion Home, 20 South Stewart Avenue, Fremont, MI 49412.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
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