Donna was born on September 16, 1933, the daughter of Donald and Gladys (Wheelock) Gray. On May 31, 1952, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Suttons Bay, she married the love of her life, James L. Herman, who preceded her in death on June 5, 1980.

Donna was a bookkeeper her entire life working many years at Leelanau Fruit Company along with doing the books for many local restaurants in town. A gifted musician, Donna shared her talent for decades as the organist/choir director at St. Michael’s, where her music touched countless hearts. She was an active and proud member of the Suttons Bay community, serving on the village council for many years, taking great joy in preserving the town’s history. Always spirited and fun-loving, she was known for wearing a frontier outfit around town while selling tickets for the Suttons Bay Sesquicentennial and for riding her three-wheeled bike proudly displaying a “Fearless” flag.

Donna’s most important job in life was her unwavering love for her family. She rarely missed a game, concert or event, always cheering on her children and grandchildren with immense pride. She shared a love of square dancing with her late husband, Jim. A devoted supporter of local youth, possibly being the biggest fan of the Girl and Boy Scouts of America, thanks to her sweet tooth for cookies and popcorn, as evidenced by her freezer full of thin mints and tagalongs.

Donna is survived by her children, 1933 ~ 2025

Kenny (Kathy) Herman, Connie (Rich) Peplinski, Cammie (Peter) Moss, Kris (Becky) Herman, and Kelli (Matt) Vogt; her grandchildren Katie Herman, Jeremy (Rachel) Peplinski, Dr. Jason (Rick) Peplinski-Maas, Danielle ( John) Plumstead, Tyler (Grace) Moss, Amanda and Faith Herman, Noah (Hannah) Vogt, Caleb Vogt; granddaughter-in-law, Emily Herman; great grandchildren, Everett Herman, Paul (McAra) Peplinski, Jessie Peplinski, Jerame (Stephanie) Maas, Jerrett Maas, Carson, Griffin, Wyatt and Chase Plumstead; great-great-grandchildren Sage and Lachlan Maas; sister-in-law, Bernice Herman and brother-in-law, Louis “Butch” Herman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, Donald and Gladys Gray; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ron (Sharon) Gray, Alan (Anna) Gray and her beloved grandson, Kody Herman.

Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 pm, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Martinson Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Michael’s, with visitation at 10:00 am. Father Wayne will be officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Donna’s memory may be directed to St. Michael’s for masses to be said in memory of others or for ones in need. This was very dear to Donna’s heart.

Please share your condolences and memories with Donna’s family at www. martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.