Age 90, of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Traverse City, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2016. Donna was born on December 2, 1925, in Traverse City, Michigan, to Hollis L. and Bertha Marie (Bisel) Hubbell. Upon graduating from Traverse City Central High School, where she had been an excellent student, sung in the choir, and performed in school plays, she pursued her goal to become a nurse. Her nursing career started at Wayne State University; however, it ended suddenly due to a serious illness. An even greater dream was fulfilled in January 1947 when she married her high school sweetheart, Wesley Reincke of Suttons Bay. They spent the next 67 years together making a home, raising a family, moving to Lansing, and returning to Traverse City (where they lived in the same house for 55 years), traveling, building a cottage, and working towards an early retirement. In retirement, they enjoyed life at their summer home on Lake Leelanau and spending winters in Florida and Alabama.
Donna was a kind and generous lady, who was also talented and creative. She loved to do needlework and was an exceptional seamstress. Over the years, she fashioned clothes for herself, her daughter (including Sarah’s wedding dress), and others. She was known to give new life to an old piece of furniture by refinishing or reupholstering it. Donna possessed a beautiful alto voice and was a founding member of the Sweet Adelines in Traverse City. She was a community volunteer and loved her Lord, serving Him through her church and as a member of the Co-Workers Sunday School Class for many years. Donna always looked forward to family get-togethers and reunions, often serving as host.
In the summer, she loved going for rides on the pontoon boat and taking along picnic lunches. She also loved having grandchildren visit and taking them to garage sales or hunting for Petoskey stones. During the winter season, her favorite pastime was walking on the beaches at Gulf Shores and Perdido Key and collecting sea shells. Donna was an avid reader all of her life - reading over 2000 talking books after going blind.
Donna is survived by her children, Jon (Kathrean) Reincke of Eaton Rapids, MI, Sarah (John) Groesser of Chelsea, MI, and Philip Reincke of Kingsley, MI; grandchildren: Erin, Ben, and Katie Reincke; Ben (Jessica), Kirk, and Leslie Trentham; Jason, Brian (Ali), and Mike (Abby) Groesser; great-grandchildren: Ava, Brayden, Claire and Eve Groesser, and Alexander King; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Orpha Drone, Ione and Rex Shugart, and Ann Reincke; and several nieces and nephews; and special lifelong friend, Barb Soapmann.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Wes; a sister, Darlene Warne; and a brother, Wayne Hubbell.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, October 8, 11:00 am at the Keswick United Methodist Church south of Suttons Bay, Michigan, with a dinner immediately following the service. Final interment will be Oct 8, 1:30 pm at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bingham Township. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Keswick United Methodist Church, 3376 S. Center Hwy., Suttons Bay, MI 49682.