Donna Mae (Wemple) Thiessen

Donna Mae (Wemple) Thiessen, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 11, 2023, with her family by her side. She was looking forward to seeing our God, and joining her children Bartholomew, Connie, and Andrea, and husband and best friend, Chet.

Donna was born on December 19, 1933, in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she resided all of her life. She graduated from St. Philip Catholic High School in 1952. In 1952 she met the “Love of her Life”, Chester “Chet” Thiessen at Sno Cap Root Beer Drive Inn. Donna and Chet were united in marriage on February 23, 1957, at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Together they had seven children. She stayed at home to raise their large family and spend many happy and fun hours with their “special needs” daughter, Andrea Madonna. She and Chester would always say “Dad’s Little Girl and Mom’s Little World”, when speaking of Andrea. In early years she owned Donna’s Beauty Salon.

Donna loved gardening and canning everything that grew in the family’s garden. She enjoyed making flower arrangements for special family gatherings. She always enjoyed helping everyone. She would say “I love to include everyone into our families”. Donna had a strong faith that she said God blessed her with. She told family and friends “Faith is all we take with us at the end of our journey. To have faith and be honest with yourself and others. It will always make you feel like the luckiest and happiest person in the world.” She also said, “The family that prays together, will always stay together.”

She enjoyed having lots of parties and family gatherings, because it was a gift from God to have all families and friends together to love and hold. She was a giver of her time and loved all she knew. She was always concerned if others were hungry or cold.

Donna is survived by her children, Karen L. Rounds, Mary L. (Terry) Sheerer, Terese L. Koski, and Maria A. Tolf; nineteen grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Thiessen; son, Bartholomew “Bart” Chester Charles Thiessen, daughter, Connie Lynn Thiessen Schoonard, special needs daughter Andrea M. Thiessen; a son-in-law, Brian Koski; and two brothers, Wendell and Gaylord Wemple.

Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015, where a Rosary service will be held at 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023, at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, 112 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017, officiated by Fr. David Pinto. Following the Mass, interment will take place in Battle Creek Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Knights of Columbus, Father Owens Council #11114. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Philip Roman Catholic Church or given at the funeral home for delivery to the council. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.