Donna Joyce Erickson

BARK RIVER — Donna Joyce Erickson, 88, of Bark River, Mich., passed away peacefully at home on Christmas morning, December 25, 2023, with her loving family by her side. Donna’s life was a testimony of her close relationship with Jesus Christ, and her family is grateful that she was able to join Him in Heaven on such a special day.

Donna was born to Oscar and Nellie (DeYoung) Tuinstra November 4, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Mich. She graduated from Lee High in Grand Rapids and then attended Calvin College. August 15, 1958, Donna Tuinstra married Leonard Erickson in Grand Rapids. In 1962 they relocated to Harris, Mich. where they raised their six children.

Donna was a secretary, then a piano teacher before earning her Certified Nursing Assistant degree and working at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers, Mich. for almost 20 years. Following her retirement from Pinecrest, she provided adult foster care in her home for 15 years.

Donna was a loving and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver, and friend who was known for her beauty, both inside and out. With her gentle voice, kindness, warm hospitality, genuine interest in others, positive attitude, and deep faith, she blessed and inspired all those with whom she came in contact. Even as an exceptional caregiver with many talents such as playing piano, cooking/baking and writing, she downplayed her abilities and preferred to give praise to others. She was “the hands and feet of Jesus” whose primary concern was that her family and friends would be spiritually prepared to join her in Heaven someday.

Donna’s sweet, angelic nature was combined with an attention to order and routine and an avid curiosity about the world around her. She had a twinkle in her eye, and a quick wit that both amused and kept others on their toes. She is deeply missed and remembered with tears and laughter.

She is survived by her husband, Leonard; six children, Lori (Tim) Portfleet of Pinehurst, N.C., Bryan (Tina) Erickson of Harris, Mich., Mary Beth (Paul) Frost of Superior, Wis., Janice (Greg) Jacobson of Watertown, Tenn., Steven (Nicole) Erickson of Burlington, Wis., and Kristi (Jim) Harrington of Ortonville, Mich.; 17 grandchildren, Jordan (Melissa) Portfleet, Danielle Portfleet, Alicia (Rob) Benson, Mitchell (Christina) Frost, Dominic (Helena) Frost, John Michael (Cheyenne) Wenick, Kristen (Shane) Meyers, Christina Wenick, Cody Wenick, AJ (Maggie Diges) Erickson, Tyler (Jennifer) Erickson, Ben Erickson, Gabe Erickson, Ann Marie Erickson, Ashley (Andrew) Waterhouse, Jonathon (Liz Marth) Harrington, and Rylie Harrington; 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five siblings and one grandson, Chad Wenick.

Visitation will be January 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. until noon (EST) at the Ford River Community Chapel, 3103 M-35, Bark River, MI 49807. The funeral service will follow at noon with Pastor Jay Gilchrist officiating. Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.