Donna Hodge

Frankenmuth, MI

Donna (Kern) Hodge of Frankenmuth passed away peacefully on February 6, 2020 surrounded by family. Donna was born December 24, 1929 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Herbert and Gladis Kern of Port Huron, MI.

She resided in Port Huron as a child and journeyed on the Eastern Michigan University where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She taught at Armada and Peck prior to marrying Richard on June 27, 1953 at the First Methodist Church in Port Huron. Richard and Donna dairy farmed for 25 years in Sanilac County. During her years on the farm Donna served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, as a 4-H leader and was involved in Farm Bureau and church activities at the Marlette United Methodist Church. She also started and ran a successful home interior business from her home. Her homemade bread was always in demand and she grew amazing strawberries. After leaving the farm in 1979 they moved to Frankenmuth where she worked as a pastry baker at the Bavarian Inn and for many years operated Bed and Breakfast at the Pines at their home on Ardussi Street for 15 years. Her guests at the Pines were always treated to her homemade baking. She was also involved with the Frankenmuth Herb Society and the United Methodist Church in Frankenmuth and was an ardent genealogist leaving many files and notes for future generations to enjoy. After retirement her and Richard enjoyed travelling and participating in elder hostels in the United States and Canada and trips to Scotland and Ireland.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Richard, three children and spouses; Linda (Jerry) LaLonde of Commerce Township, Douglas (June) Hodge of Lapeer and Patti (John) Ostermiller of Frankenmuth, three grandsons; Shaun Hodge of North Branch, Dr. Timothy Hodge (Andrea) of Lake Orion and Devon (Audrey) Ostermiller of Detroit and two great granddaughters Adelyn and Emilia Hodge.

Cremation services were arranged by Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, 346 Vates St., Frankenmuth, Michigan. Visitation will take place at the church at 10:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to the Frankenmuth Herb Society or the United Methodist Church of Frankenmuth. Interment will be at the Marlette Cemetery.