Donnale Rathjens

Donnale M. Rathjens, 78, of Charlevoix, passed away at home Tuesday, April 12, 2016. She was born June 4, 1937, in Jackson to Franklyn Webster and Velma Ethel (Miller) Smith.

Donna was a lifetime resident of Charlevoix. She attended the Christ Episcopal Church and received her confirmation there. She was a big history buff and enjoyed genealogy. Donna was a very independent person, so much so that she actually built her own house.

She retired from American Mold (DME) in 2001.

On August 10, 1968, Donna married Frank E. Rathjens in Charlevoix and he survives her. She is also survived by her children, Louann (Ricardo) Artiaga of Whitehouse, Oh., Ronda (Rob) Peck of Lincoln Park, Louis "Ed" (Margaret) Mason of Atlanta, Ga., John (Bobbie) Rathjens of Traverse City; fourteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Gary Smith (Joann Burnett), Stanley (Asondra) Smith of Romulus, Susie (Bob) Wise, Steven "Sonic" (Diane) Smith all of Charlevoix.

Visitation will begin at 11AM, followed by the funeral at 1PM, Friday, April 15, at the Winchester Funeral Home in Charlevoix, the Reverend Peggy Natterman officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326; or the Christ Episcopal Church in Charlevoix