Donna Kay (Shidler) Kaarlie, 74, of Allegan, passed away Friday, Oct. 5, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Born on Dec. 4, 1943, in Goshen, Ind., Donna was the daughter of the late Dayton and Marie Shidler. She graduated from Goshen High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.
Donna retired from Upjohn Pharmacia/Pfizer where she worked in customer service. On Aug. 29, 1997, she married Robert “Bob” Kaarlie in Montana and together they enjoyed traveling out West with great interest in the Lewis-Clark Trail and many trips to Norway with extended relatives of Bob’s. The Mackinac Bridge also held a special place in Donna’s heart.
She was an extraordinary cook and hostess, enjoyed history, genealogy and family. She was dedicated to Bible Study with friends and singing in the church choir. Donna will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Donna leaves behind her six stepchildren; many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her cousin Carole (Bobby) Hicks; her sister- and brother-in-law, Mike and Joyce Wagner’ and other extended family and special friends.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her true love, Robert Kaarlie this past July.
Friends may meet with the family on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Christ Community Church, 3370 113th Ave., Allegan, from 2 to 3 p.m. at which time a memorial service will be at 3 p.m., with Pastor Wally Coots officiating.
Memorial donations may be made in Donna’s name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation West Michigan Chapter, P.O. Box 4368, East Lansing, MI 48826 or American Heart Association - West Michigan, 3940 Peninsular Drive SE Suite 180, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546.
Assisting the family with arrangements is Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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