Donna Hecht

Frankenmuth, MI

Passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, May16, 2025, at Covenant Medical Center, after a brief illness; age 86 years. Donna Jean Dietrich was born on November 2, 1938, in Saginaw, MI to the late Jacob and Margaret Dietrich. She was married to Richard Roland Schmitzer; he predeceased her in 1978. She later married Lloyd Elmer Hecht; he predeceased her in 2005. Early in her career, Donna was a certified nursing assistant and later became an Emergency Medical Technician at Frankenmuth Ambulance.  In later years, she continued her commitment to others as a devoted bus driver for the Frankenmuth School District for over twenty years.  She was a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, and painting. She had a deep passion for caring for children.

Those who knew Donna saw her strength and resilience firsthand. She built a large, loving family, giving life to nine children. Yet, alongside the joy of creation, she endured unimaginable loss—losing many of her children and husbands. These profound losses left a void, shaping her journey in ways few could understand. Though her stubborn nature was ever present, it came from a place of deep care, a testament to her unwavering love.

Surviving are six children Dennis (Debbie) Schmitzer of Pavo, GA., Gregg (Debbie) Schmitzer of Detroit, MI., Kevin Schmitzer of Frankenmuth, MI., Jeff (Vickie) Schmitzer of Frankenmuth, MI., Rebecca Bierlein of Ohio, Jason (Stephanie) Hecht of Frankenmuth, MI; 5 stepdaughters; daughter-in-law Dawn Kibbe; grandchildren Brandon (Kari) Schmitzer, Jamie (Travis) York, Brenda Schmitzer, Amy (Chad) Arnold, Jim Schmitzer, Kayla (Josh) Taylor, Haley (Tyler) Davis, Shayna and Carson Bierlein, Collin, Carter, and Layne Hecht; many great-grandchildren, and one sister Dolores Davis, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her two husbands, Donna was preceded in death by her children Roland Schmitzer, Jim Schmitzer, Lori Schmitzer, daughter-in-law Jodi Schmitzer, and grandson Dennis Schmitzer II.

A private family service will take place. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.