Obituary of Donna Jean Schultz
Donna Jean Ziesmer was born on September 23, 1938, in Monroe, Michigan. She was the daughter of Clarence Ziesmer and Mary (Fisk) Ziesmer Strelecky. Donna was a graduate of Dundee High School. She married, William John Schultz on July 20, 1957, at St. John Lutheran Church in Dundee. As a young woman she was employed by the Monroe News where she composed wedding announcements. She also worked under Fred Flox at the Reporter as a copy creator.
Donna and William were blessed with the birth of five children. Believing wholeheartedly in education, she loved to read and returned to school in her late 20’s taking classes at Monroe County Community College. She loved her faith and her church being a longtime member of St. John Lutheran. Born with a beautiful voice, she enjoyed praising her Lord with song and was the Youth Choir Director for many years. She also worked as the secretary for the Dundee Boy Scouts.
After the passing of her husband, Donna took employment with Holcim in Dundee as a Receptionist. She retired in 2000 after ten years of service. Donna was the consummate host and loved to entertain family at the holidays. She enjoyed conversation and was willing to strike up banter with anyone. For many years she made her home living in the castle on Riley Street. She spent many hours on the front porch encouraging passersby to stop and join her. Upon moving to Burton Drive, later in life the same scenario was replayed as she set up patio furniture in the garage which faced the sidewalk bringing in the neighbor’s time and time again.
An avid sports fan, she never missed a televised game cheering on her beloved Michigan and Michigan State teams. She enjoyed football but basketball was her favorite. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren, all of whom were educated at a University College. She was even more proud that all of her grandchildren that were old enough had college degrees.
Donna Jean Schultz, age 85 of Dundee passed away at home unexpectedly on Monday; November 6, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her beloved husband of thirty-two years: William on February 17, 1990, and her parents.
To cherish her memory she leaves five children: Scott (Lynn) Schultz of Monroe, Stephanie (Steven) Doud of Livonia, Staci (Willie) Geiser of Greensboro, Georgia, Shaun (Jacqueline) Schultz of Dundee, and Shane (Tracy) Schultz of Frankfort, Illinois; a sister: Ellen Smith of Petersburg; a brother: Dale (Dianne) Ziesmer of Dundee; a stepbrother: Robert Strelecky of Monroe; nine grandchildren: Christopher (Stephanie) Doud, Samantha Doud, Erin (Josh) DuFresne, Sara Schultz, Jacob (Lindsay) Schultz, Jonah Schultz, Dane Bailey, and Eva and Owen Schultz; three great grandchildren: Liam Doud, Josephine Doud, and Callahan Schultz.
Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; November 9, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. She will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Friday; November 10, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church; 460 Riley Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 with Pastor Janice Locke officiating. Procession will follow to Maple Grove Cemetery for burial.
Memorial contributions for those who desire are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merkefs.com.