Donna L. Wilhelm, age 66, of Wauseon, passed away Monday, May 16, 2016, in her home, following her lengthy struggle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Donna was born in Lima, Ohio on September 20, 1949, the daughter of Lawrence and Edna (Huber) Richer. On October 13, 1973 she married John A. Wilhelm, and he survives. She was a member of St. Caspar Catholic Church in Wauseon. Donna left a legacy of writing poems in cards that she sent to the sick and shut-ins. She had a love for books and was an enthusiastic reader. Her frequent visit to the Wauseon Public Library made her a well known patron. Donna was a faithful prayer warrior and prayed for everyone on the prayer chain. She also read her bible and said her rosary daily. It was her amazing faith in Jesus Christ that allowed her to be peaceful throughout her difficult struggle with ALS. Her husband’s continuous care and ability to grant Donna’s wish of remaining in her home was a demonstration of his never ending love and a role model for all marriages.
Surviving is her husband, John; son, Alvin (Jessica) Wilhelm of Acworth, GA; two daughters, Jennifer (Keith) Spoores of North Pole, AK and Elizabeth “Libbey” (Brian) Houseman of Fairbanks, AK; two grandchildren, Samantha and Alexandra Wilhelm; brother, Nelson (Janice) Richer of Wauseon; and sister, Shirley (Jeff) Wallace of Howard City, MI. She was preceded in death by both parents.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be given to the Wauseon Public Library, the ALS Association or Henry County Hospice. Online condolences may be offered to the family atwww.grisierfh.com. Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home in Wauseon has been entrusted with arrangements.