Obituaries

Donna Marie (Plesscher) Michalak, age 65, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus at 12:40 AM on January 25, 2026, while at home and surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 7, 1960, in Plant City, Florida, to Lee Douglas and Betty (Engman) Plesscher.

Donna was the third of six children, and she also grew up alongside many cousins who were like siblings to her. Donna spent most of her life in the Lakefield, Michigan, area and was a graduate of Newberry High School.

At the age of 21, Donna met the love of her life, Don Michalak. They married three years later and shared forty-one wonderful years of marriage. In 1984, Donna gave birth to her only child, Misti. During childbirth, Donna suffered congestive heart failure, and doctors feared neither mother nor baby would survive, but they did. Donna often said she could have died then, but instead, she was blessed with another forty-one years of life, a testament to her incredible strength.

Donna was overjoyed when her grandchildren, Zachary and Amya, came into her life. As the years passed, they became the light of her days and the joy of her heart. She treasured the simple moments - shared laughter, quiet conversations, and the little traditions that grew naturally between them. Spoiling them came easily, but it was her love and presence that lingered longest, leaving memories that will be cherished forever.

Donna worked in various restaurants over the years before retiring from Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, where she dedicated over twenty years of service, in both the kitchen and the wellness center.

Beyond her devotion to family, Donna had two great passions: plants and sewing. She lovingly tended many flower gardens over the years and especially enjoyed propagating succulents. Donna also loved sewing and quilting alongside her sisters and close friends. Together, they formed the Local Ladies Community Outreach, affectionately known as the “Church Mice,” sewing in the basement of Lakefield Baptist Church to create blessing bags for those in need. This ministry was one of Donna’s greatest joys, as it brought together her love for family, friendship, creativity, and helping others.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Donald Michalak; daughter, Misti (Bob) Collia; grandchildren, Zachary Collia and Amya Collia; step-grandchildren, Joel Collia and Danielle Collia; mother, Betty Gage; sisters, Teri Geerlings, Marietta (Dave) Kimbler, Rebecca (Bob) Gonzalez, and Dixie (Brian) Bryers; brother, Tim (Gail) Plesscher; brothers-in-law, Dave (Kathy) Michalak and Greg (Michelle) Michalak; sister-in-law, Sharon Lambert; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, including two who were especially close to her, Dylan Geerlings and Trevor Kimbler; as well as dear friends, Cathleen Martin, Linda Goldthorpe, Margie Goldthorpe, Diane Krause and Shelley Searl.

Donna was preceded in death by her father, Lee Douglas Plesscher; in-laws, Gregory and Virginia Michalak; brothers-in-law, Cal Geerlings, Dave Edgar and Mike Marshall; and sisters-in-law, Diane Marshall and Carol Edgar.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Lakefield Baptist Church, 24230 Co Rd. 98, McMillan, MI 49853. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM with the service starting at 12:00 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakefield Baptist Church, 24230 Co Rd. 98, McMillan, MI 49853, or to Local Ladies Community Outreach (checks may be made payable to Teri Geerlings) 4095 CR 429 McMillan, MI 49853.

If flowers are sent, Donna requested her favorite flower: gladiolus.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.