Russell James Donker

1926 - 2017

Donker, Russell James
1926 - 2017 Russell James Donker passed away peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday February 5, 2017 at the age of 90. Born December 22, 1926 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Peter and Bertha Donker, Russ was the 4th of 5 children in the family. He lived a very rewarding childhood growing up fishing, hiking, and even an occasional scuffle with his brothers. Russ graduated from Lee High School in Grand Rapids in 1944. It was during that same year that Russ would meet the love of his life Rosalie. In the summer of 1944, Russ enlisted in the Navy and served in the Medical Core in Oregon and California. He returned from his duty to Grand Rapids in 1947. Upon returning he picked up his romance where he left off with Rosalie and the two were married in July of 1949. In 1951, Russ and Rosalie made the move to Phoenix to be closer to Rosalie's ailing mother. To support the family, Dad first worked as a butcher prior to joining Hormel Foods Company as salesman later that year. Dad was later promoted to District Manager in Phoenix where he resided until 1976. He went on to hold positions of greater responsibility in both Chicago 1976 - 1978 and Dallas from 1978 until his retirement in 1986 after 35 years with the company. During those Phoenix years, Russ was very dedicated to his family. His passion was defined by his willingness to sacrifice for what he loved. He worked hard and always put his family ahead of him. His joy was creating our joy. Upon retirement, Russ moved back to Scottsdale, AZ where he continued his love of the desert as well as family and friends. He was an avid golfer who scored his first hole in one at the young age of 65. He was also an avid sports fan always rooting the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and later the Arizona Diamondbacks. Russ is survived by his wife Rosalie of 67 years, his brother Harvey (Linnea) Grand Rapids, MI, his son Jim (Karen) Scottsdale, AZ, his daughter Sue Wood (Randy) Tempe, AZ. He is also survived by two much loved grandchildren, Trevor Wood and Kara Hawkins (Corey) as well as one special great grandchild Briana Hawkins. A memorial service for Russ will be held at 1:00PM on Wednesday February 15, 2017 at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donations in Russ's name to the Hospice of the Valley, Dementia Donations......www.hov.org/dementia donations or (602) 530-6900.