Donna DenHarder

Donna Marie DenHarder (Balkema), of Otsego, went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born on December 2, 1943, to Peter and Marie (VanderRoest) Balkema.

She grew up in Kalamazoo MI, alongside her siblings: Henry, Gertrude, Jane and Christina. She married her husband Marinus DenHarder on Jan. 12, 1962, in Kalamazoo, MI. She was a member of Otsego Congregational Church. She worked as a school bus driver for Otsego public schools while helping maintain the family farm. Later in life, she welcomed adult foster care into her home. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donna is survived by her loving husband Marinus DenHarder(Otsego) of 63 years. Her two children: David DenHarder of Plainwell and Sandra VonDerosten of Marcellus; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her sister Christina (Dale) Beauchamp (Kalamazoo).

She is proceeded in death by her parents Peter and Marie Balkema; brother Henry (Anna) Balkema as well as her sisters: Gertrude Zook, Jane (Vernon) Geschwendt.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at Otsego Congregational Church on April 19 at 11am, 120 W Morrell St, Otsego Mi, 49078.

While visiting Donna’s memory page at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook or leave a memory for the family. The DenHarder family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen and Secord Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St. in Plainwell (269) 685-5881.