Donna Faye Nienhouse's Obituary
Donna Faye (Stille) Nienhouse, age 72, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021, from complications of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. She was born on April 17, 1949, to Ed and Hattie (Hiemstra) Stille and grew up in Robinson Township. She graduated from Grand Haven High School and received an Associate Degree from Muskegon Community College.
On June 5, 1993, Donna married Jim Nienhouse in Spring Lake, MI. Sharing a deep love of the outdoors and the natural beauty of the area, she and Jim enjoyed a loving and adventurous life together. Splitting their time between their home in Spring Lake and their home on the Little Manistee River, they always found time for fishing, hunting, boating and family gatherings. They found joy in their friendship and in travelling together, often to nontraditional locations.
Throughout her life, Donna was proud to be involved in the blueberry industry. For a number of years, she also co-owned and managed G. Louise, a clothing boutique in downtown Grand Haven.
Donna loved to cook and entertain, especially during the holidays. Everyone always knew they could expect a magical experience attending one of her Christmas or Thanksgiving celebrations. The meals were feasts, the decorations and table settings exquisite and the experience unforgettable.
Donna was especially known for her love for her dogs. She was passionate about her German Shorthaired Pointers and about all her pets. They were her heart and delight. This passion flowed over to include volunteering, often despite long travel distances, to provide needed care for young puppies and other animals.
Donna was a beautiful, caring, and charming woman who could be wonderfully elegant but was happiest outdoors enjoying her cabin on the river. She was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished by her family. She is survived by her husband Jim Nienhouse, her two stepsons Greg (Andrea) Nienhouse of Nunica and Brian (Celine) Nienhouse of Spring Lake and grandchildren Mari, Owen, Noah, Scarlett, and Violette. She is also survived by her sister Sharon Day, her brother Leon (Dzintra) Stille, her sister-in-law Brenda Nienhouse and brothers-in-law Ron (Leslie) Nienhouse and Chris (Lisa) Nienhouse.
A private service is planned, to be held at a future date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Frankie’s Friends Charitable Pet Foundation (www.frankiesfriends.org/donate) or the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Foundation (sjsupport.org). Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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