It is with great joy and celebration to announce the peaceful transition for Deana A Reschke
from Saint Joseph, Michigan into the Kingdom of Heaven on December 18, 2021. She was
graced with 90 years of life and was a true example of showing to others the kindness of God.
She is survived by three daughters: Colleen Burt, Mary Gauthier, Jean (Gary) Callender, and
four sons: Daniel (Sue), Michael (Cyndy), Mark (Stella), Matthew (Candice). Deana is further
survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded
in death by her husband Erwin and her daughter Ruth.
A beloved wife and devoted mother, Deana raised eight children while helping her husband
farm and run a fruit stand. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, she was strengthened
through scripture and found her calling to help others through volunteer work. Her legacy
includes helping establish a volunteer program at Shoreham Terrace Nursing Home where she
went on to become president of its Volunteer Association. She also served as a church
coordinator at the Lakeland Continuing Care Center and ministered as a volunteer chaplain to
patients and families at Lakeland Medical Center. Her dedicated volunteerism over 40 years
touched the lives of many.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to the many wonderful caregivers who assisted
Deana in her final years.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. A
celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph.