Donna Jo Karner

Donna Jo Karner,  75, of Mancelona, passed away on June 5, 2024 at Munson Cadillac Hospital. She was born on March 19, 1949, in Ferndale, MI.

For most of her young adult life, Donna worked at various bars and restaurants, all the while, she was dreaming of owning her own place.  Donna finally reached that goal in 1987 when she purchased The Press Box in Mancelona.  It was at this restaurant, where Donna met her husband of almost 34 years, Colin "Coke" Karner.  

In addition to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Donna had a passion for cooking.  For over 26 years, Donna gave her heart, soul, and energy to her business.  As the principal chef of The Press Box, Donna wanted to make sure that her restaurant offered up nothing but the best food around.  So, each and every day you could find her in her kitchen making one of her many delicious recipes that she created over the years for her dedicated and hungry customers.  And once you had her food, you were sure to come back for more!  Donna's restaurant had so many out-of-town customers who would go out of their way to stop by, just to see her infectious smile and to make sure they could get some of her amazing food on their trip up north.  Some of her homemade soups were practically famous! Anyone ever hear about her Morel Mushroom soup? Her delicious homemade soups are still talked about to this day by many, even though the restaurant has been closed since 2013.  Donna had 26 successful years of operating her business and came out of it rich in friendships with so many people who will help to carry her memory on for years to come.

Surviving Donna is her husband, Colin “Coke” Karner of Mancelona; her four children, Jimmy Miller, Robert Lynn II of Mancelona, Sherry Woodin (Chris Beehler) of Fife Lake, Shelly (Denis) Martindale of Lowell, MI; her grandchildren, Bradley Lynn (Morgan Miller) of Petoskey, Bobby Lanning of Traverse City, Brittany Lynn (Jacob Niergarth) of Maple City, Katelyn Johnson (Logan Blough) of Saranac, MI, Tanner Woodin of Fife Lake, and Madisyn Martindale of Lowell; and her two great-grandchildren, Jacob Niergarth and Delilah Lynn.

   Also surviving Donna are her seven siblings, Terry (Marial) Spicer of Sterling Heights, MI; Julia Moore of Roseville, MI; Mickey (Pauline) Moore of St. Claire Shores, MI; Don Moore of Lovells, MI; Tim (Maria) Moore of Johannesburg, MI; Kitty Moore (Glenn Tomaszewski) of Warren, MI; and Cheryl Moore of Port Huron, MI.  And finally, last, but not least, Donna had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends that deserve mentioning, but would make this entry way too long! 

    Preceding her in death were her parents, Don and Julia Moore; sisters, Nanette Moore and Sandy Spicer; a son, George Miller; and a great-granddaughter, Claire Elaine Kelly (Brittany Lynn).

   Visitation for Donna will be on Wednesday, June 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

   Funeral services will take place on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Funeral Home. Officiant Sara Goldberg will preside. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Mancelona.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Antrim County Commission on Aging or Meals on Wheels.

   Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.