Donna J. Dwyer

Donna J. Dwyer, formerly of Freeport, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and surrounded by the deep love at Beehive Homes in Oregon, Wisconsin.

Donna was born on August 28, 1943, in Freeport, the daughter of Daniel and Amy (Geise) Heilman. She graduated from Freeport Senior High School in 1961. Donna married Robert M. Lower on March 3, 1963, in Freeport, and they shared 25 years of marriage until his passing on May 9, 1988. On May 30, 1990, she married Robert L. Dwyer, also in Freeport, and together they built a life filled with family, faith, and friendship.

A lifelong member of First Lutheran Church, Donna served faithfully on the church council and lived her faith through service to others.

She grew up as a Girl Scout and later became a dedicated leader of her daughters’ troops. In 1985, she proudly served as President of the Green Hills Council Board of Directors. She was fondly remembered by her scouts for her famous big bags of “Gorp Plus,” a staple of every camping trip. Her first Brownie Troop from Center School held a special place in her heart.

Donna worked for both Burgess Battery and Micro Switch, where she rose through the ranks to become a supervisor. She later worked in Human Resources and Organizational Development, retiring in 2000. She was known for her unwavering support of employees and coworkers, encouraging them to pursue education, develop their skills, and reach for opportunities that matched their potential.

Donna enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Europe and Asia, as well as playing bridge, and creating beautiful needlepoint treasures for her family. She loved entertaining and was the consummate hostess. She enjoyed spending summers with her children and grandchildren, playing games, going out on the pontoon, serving delicious food, including her famous taco salad, omelets in bag, and many mouthwatering desserts.

After retirement, she and Bob spent winters as Winter Texans in Pharr, TX, and summers in Bagley, WI, making cherished friendships in both communities.

Donna is survived by her husband, Robert; her children, Michael (Lynn) Lower of Rockford, IL; Sylinda Lower of Verona, WI, and Sarah (Wayne) Borstad of Waunakee, WI; her stepdaughters, Kellie (Scott) Larson of Champaign, IL and Brenda (Scott) White of Decatur, IL. She was a loving grandmother to

Tasha (Brandon) DeRosier of Beloit, WI; Robert Z. Lower of Rockford, IL; Jordon Miller and Alex Miller of Rockford, IL; Joshua White of Des Moines, IA; Noah Larson of Champaign, IL; Caleb White of Des Moines, IA and Lauren White of Decatur, IL. She also shared a special bond with granddaughter and new grandson Autumn (Josiah) Kelsey of Windsor, WI joyfully attending their wedding in December 2024, a treasured memory she held close.

Donna adored her great grandchildren Mina Miller and Rowan DeRosier, and she eagerly anticipated the arrival of her next great grandson, Baby Boy DeRosier. She is further survived by her beloved sisters in law, Marilyn Ruthe of Freeport, and Linda (Graham) Richards of Simi Valley, CA, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Robert M. Lower; her brother Robert Heilman; her sisters and brothers in law, Betty and Joffre Bandert, Lois and Donald Wagner; her parents in law Merle and Caryl Lower, and Lee and Lottie Dwyer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Beehive Homes, especially the Nursing Assistants who had a special bond with mom, Agrace Hospice, and Dr. Nimira Jina for the care they provided.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday January 24, 2026 at First Lutheran Church, with Rev. Jeff Greathouse officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for First Lutheran Church in Donna’s memory.