Obituary of Donna Lou Spyker

Spyker, Donna Lou of Hemlock, Michigan, Passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at the age of 82 with her loving daughters by her side on Friday, May 11, 2018 at Henry Ford Medical Center - Detroit. Donna Lou Jacob was born on January 25, 1936 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Raymond and Anne (Ronan) Jacob. She met her future husband and the love of her life, Dale Wesley Spyker, while helping her mother at a local soda shop. They were married on June 14, 1958, Dale and Donna lived their entire life in the Saginaw area where they raised their two daughter. Dale preceded Donna in death on December 1, 2017. Donna was a kind, caring, and selfless woman her entire life. From a very young age she assisted in raising her siblings and later as an adult caring for her live-in mother-in-law. In her early years, Donna was employed at Sunshine Biscuit Company until she began her family with Dale. While raising her daughters, Donna actively volunteered at their school. She enjoyed shopping, couponing, a nightly game of solitaire, and was also known to frequent a casino or two. She was an excellent communicator and a counselor to all; a true saint. Donna had the special gift of listening to others, as well as making them feel good about themselves. She was a proud member of TOPS Club Inc., serving as a secretary and even winning their Miss. Michigan competition in 1979. She even went on to compete in Biloxi, Mississippi for National Program title. Above all, Donna loved and cherished her children and later her beloved grandchildren. Surviving are two daughters: Julie Jurek and son-in-law Joe Jurek of Saginaw and Jo Ellen (Paul) Neitzel of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren: Jason Jurek, Jared Jurek, Emily Neitzel, Lindsey Neitzel and Eric Neitzel; and a brother, Raymond "Hank" (Carol) Jacob. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her special friends and neighbors: Angela, Phyllis, Karen and Alex who were always lending a helping hand and caring for Dale and Donna in their retirement years. Donna was preceded in death by a son, Matthew Jacob Spyker; a sister and best friend who shared a daily phone conversation to end their day, Sue Ann (Joseph) Horvat; and a brother, Gary (Harriet) Jacob. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Dale Orlik will officiate. Private burial will take place at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: The family will welcome visitors at the funeral home on Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to a charity of the donor's choice or the wishes of the family.