Donna L. Eime

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Eime (nee Wartenbe) on October 27, 2024 at age 81. 

Born July 27, 1943, Donna lived a life of love, compassion, faith, and strength. She was a loving wife, amazing mother, and devoted Nana to her four grandchildren. She cultivated deep friendships from grade school, college, and beyond. She had a special gift of connecting with others in a meaningful way, and she became friends with all she met. 

Donna grew up in South St. Louis County with her dear parents and brother. She attended Mehlville schools and later graduated from Elmhurst College, and throughout that time she formed special friendships that endure today. She met her lifelong love Roger through church, and they married in 1965. They lived for a while in New Zealand where Roger was stationed in the U.S. Navy. Upon returning home, she worked alongside Roger at their family business, Eime Hardware. She also served as church secretary at Carondelet UCC church. 

Donna was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ since grade school. Through the church, she attended youth group, sang in the choir, worked on the beloved cookbooks, participated in retreats, and developed amazing friendships. The 20+ Club created an extended family of longtime friends. She loved classical music, going to symphony performances, and attending live theater. She kept busy singing in the St. Louis County Community Chorus, working on her Mehlville High School reunion committee, and organizing family camping trips to Kentucky Lake, her happy place. Her primary focus was her family, especially her grandchildren who she took on outings and vacations and showered with love. Donna embraced optimism and an unwavering faith throughout her journey, even when things were challenging. Her determination, resilience, and grace are an inspiration. 

Donna was preceded in death by her dear husband Roger, her parents David and Loretta (nee Burkemper) Wartenbe, and her brother David E. Wartenbe. She leaves behind her daughter Cheryl (nee Eime) Allison, Pete Allison, and grandchildren Emma and Ben Allison; and daughter Lisa (nee Eime) Rein, Joe Rein, and grandchildren Nathan and Kaylee Rein; sister-in-law  Bonnie Eime; and treasured cousins, relatives, and countless friends. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Mehlville. A memorial service will begin at 2:30 pm. Immediately following, there will be a reception to celebrate Donna in the church dining hall until 5:30 pm.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. John’s UCC church (General Fund or fund of your choice), 11333 St. John’s Church Road, St. Louis, MO 63123, or to Heifer International.