Jean LaVerna Donze

Jean L. Donze, 92, of Rural Streator passed away Sunday morning, November 5, 2023, at The Inn at Evenglow in Pontiac.

Visitation will be Monday, November 13 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Streator. Her funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon at the church. Burial will follow at Rooks Creek Cemetery, Graymont.

Jean was born on August 15, 1931, in Pontiac, to John and Magdalena (Dilzer) Maubach. She married Dean R. Donze on November 28, 1947. He preceded her in death on September 8, 2010.

Surviving are her son, Gary Dean (Judy) Donze of Long Point; daughter, Darla Jean (Dale) Sass of Streator; grandchildren, Michelle (Eric) Bohm, Joshua (Debi) Donze, John (Amy) Donze, Diana Caise, Dawn (Dave) Mueller, MagDalena (Ron) Welkomer, and Darrin (Becky) Sass; 17 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; sisters, Bertie Beckman of Streator and Norma Rogers of Goshen, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean; granddaughter, Dorinda Trainor; brothers, Erwin, Ralph, Harold, Glen, Stanley, Raymon, Marlin, Melvin, Robert, Howard and Raymond; sisters, Pearl Reynolds, Virginia Winterrowd, Arlene Bailey and Jeanette Carbone.

Jean was one of 18 children and part of the largest family at the time in the Streator area. She attended local Manville grade schools and Cornell High School. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Streator.

Jean loved spending time with her family. She was a strong, hard-working woman who worked alongside her husband on the farm. Jean enjoyed being a volunteer. She spent hundreds of hours at her local food pantry and in the kitchens of the Pontiac Sale Barn and the Reel Livestock Center in Congerville, where she was known for her hospitality and big smile. You could also find Jean at her sister’s children's clothing store, Gini’s Tot Shop, where she enjoyed helping customers. Jean was famous for her delicious pies, amazing cookie trays, and popcorn balls at the holidays. She created beautiful quilts and enjoyed crocheting, gardening and canning. Her warm hugs and genuine love for her family will be truly missed.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the dedicated staff at The Inn at Evenglow who surrounded Jean with loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.