Donna Jean Essenberg (Heydenberk-Curtis) 90, passed away peacefully in Oaktown, IN, on September 20, 2026. She was born November 5, 1935, to Ray and Edith (Hazen) Heydenberk, in Hart, MI. She was the sixth of nine children.
Donna was born and raised in Hart, MI, where she spent most of her life. She graduated from Hart High School. She was an active member of the Hart Methodist Church. She worked many years as a teacher’s aide at Spitler School, which she loved. She had a heart for taking care of people and was always willing to help those in need. Over the years, she could be found working at the Laundry Basket (which she owned with her husband), and at the Flower Bin, where her love for antiques flourished. She was an avid collector of Boyd’s Bears and Bunnies by the Bay. Donna always had an artistic side and would spend her time sewing, crafting, or painting ceramics. She loved music and dancing.
One of her greatest joys was cooking and entertaining family and friends. Holiday get-togethers were always made extra special, ensuring that everyone got their favorite dish. She loved her cottage on Lake Michigan and spent summers there with her family.
Donna and her husband Bob retired to Avon Park, Florida, where they spent their days golfing, playing cards, and socializing with friends. They took several trips to Alaska, Indiana, and back to Michigan to visit family and see the sights.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Edith Heydenberk; her husband, Robert Essenberg; first husband, Richard Curtis; sisters, Virginia (Roger) Matthews, Eula Payne, Ilene (Robert) Rummer, Myrna (Gene) Trommater, and Shirley (Gerald) VanDenHeuvel; and brothers, Everett (Christine) Heydenberk, Wilbur (Margaret) Heydenberk, and Gerald Heydenberk.
Donna is survived by daughters Jeanie (Jeff) Jacobs, Julie Curtis (Steve), Barbara Price, Susan Palagyi, Beth Rhoden; grandchildren Jamie (Curtis) Daugherty, Joshua (Danielle) Jacobs, Shannon (Jim) Barstow, Garrett Brink, Bethany (Dean) Harmon, Jason (Ellen) Price, Terry (Amy) Palagyi, Robert (Diana) Palagyi, Annie Palagyi, Scott (Staysha) Rhoden, Holly Rhoden; 25 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Anna Heydenberk.
Donna had a kind heart and loving spirit. Her smile would light up the room. She always put others before herself and touched many lives. She put joy ahead of tragedy, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Burial will be at Hart Cemetery, Hart, MI, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., by Beacon Funeral Home. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel, is honored to be entrusted with Donna’s arrangements.
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