Kay E. Donakowski

          Kay E. Donakowski, age 82, of Alpena, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center of Alpena.

            On August 9, 1937, Kay was the youngest of thirteen childrenborn to the late Paul F. and Marie A. (Kornack) Meske in Alpena, Michigan. Kay spent her childhood in Alpena and Saline, MI. She married Otto J. Donakowski on January 13, 1962, at St. Mary Catholic Church by Fr. John Kucinski. After 56 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on November 28, 2018. Kay was employed as a Laboratory Technician at Alpena General Hospital for 34 years, retiring in 1992. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and their Altar Society. Kay was a life-long member of the Alpena V.F.W. Auxiliary. Kay was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. She enjoyed spending her time quilting, chatting with friends and family, and watching classic movies.

            She is survived by one daughter Sandra (Mrs. Robert) Gritzmaker of Clayton, MI; three sons: Mark Donakowski of Ypsilanti, MI; Todd Donakowski of Comstock Park, MI; and Kurt (Pamela) Donakowski of Grand Rapids, MI; three grandchildren: Matthew Marine, Elle, and Andrew Donakowski, four step-grandchildren: Joshua and Crystal Gritzmaker and Samantha and Klayton Steffes; two sisters: Margrete (Mrs. Paul) Lindemann of Saline, MI and Eunice (Mrs. Jack) Feldkamp of Sarasota, FL; one brother-in-law Leon Meyer, and two sister-in-laws: Shirley (Mrs. Clarence “Sonny”) Donakowski and Blanche Donakowski, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

            Kay was preceded in death by five brothers and their spouses: Ray, Roy, Harold (Bonnie), Martin (Catherine), and Glenn (Margaret) Meske and six sisters and their spouses: Mildred (Mrs. John) Letts, Agnes Meske, Alma (Mrs. Walter) Bush, Jeanne (Mrs. Clyde) Connell, June (Mrs. Quentin) Quattlebaum, and Sally (Mrs. Leon) Meyer and one daughter-in-law: Cassie.

            Arrangements were handled by the Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home. Private Family Committal Services were held at Holy Cross Cemetery. There will be a Public Service held at a later date.

            Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

            Memorials: Charities are Hospice, American Lung Association, and American Diabetes Association