Donna Marie Kleinschmit

Donna Marie Kleinschmit, 69, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, July 4, 2022 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.

Donna was born November 16, 1952 in Berlin, Wisconsin to Adam and Melvina (Werch) Doro. She grew up in Berlin, WI. Donna earned her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Mercy Nursing School in Oshkosh, WI, her Bachelor's Degree in 1974 from University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and a Double Master's Degree in Cardio-Vascular Specialty and Nursing Administration from the University of Missouri in St Louis, MO in 1980. She took a position as Director of Intensive Care's at St. Louis University Hospital. Donna was the Assistant Director of Nursing at St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse, WI; and then Beaches Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. She came to Battle Creek, MI in 1990 working as a Nursing Supervisor at the former Community Hospital. For 11 years, Donna was Director of Nursing for Lifespan Home Health Care and then for two years at Grace Health. To finish her illustrious career Donna shared her knowledge as a Clinical Nursing Instructor at Kellogg Community College where she was loved by all of her students.

Donna Marie Doro was united in marriage to Philetus Sawyer "Phil" Kleinschmit on August 21, 1982 in Berlin, Wisconsin. Surviving are her husband, Phil; their three children, Katrina (Trevor) Endsley of Galesburg, MI, Phil (Carolyn) Kleinschmit of Portage, MI, Jessica Kleinschmit, DDS of New Orleans, LA, two grandchildren, Ella Marie Endsley and Sawyer Elizabeth Kleinschmit; sisters, Susan (Tom) Butt, Phyllis (Mark) Pieplow, Therese (Jeff) Kasuboski, Mary Lou (Kerry) Cliff, Betty (Mike) Evans; brothers, Donald (Bitsy) Doro, Adam (Jill) Doro, Steven (Carol) Doro, Kenneth (Becky) Doro; brother-in-law Ron Flegner, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families. Donna was preceded in death by her loving parents Adam and Melvina Doro, and sister, Nancy Flegner.

Donna was a member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Battle Creek. She enjoyed Sudoku, birds, and was an avid reader. Donna's true love was family; she always put them first and sincerely cared for and about others. Her pups, Charlie and Razz, were her trusted companions and were by her side 24 hours a day. She also had a special gift for gardening and flowers; Donna could grow anything - she truly had a green thumb.

Donna will be remembered as the most selfless, loving, and pure hearted woman who inspired everyone and was loved and cherished by all. She was so full of zest and joy throughout her entire life. To all who knew her, Donna was a cold glass of pinot grigio on a warm summer day.

Friends will be received 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 10th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where family and friends will share personal stories and remembrances of Donna starting at 4:00 p.m. and where the Rosary will be recited approximately 4:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Rob Johansen 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2022 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society and St. Judes Hospital. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.