Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at StoneCrest Assisted Living, with her family at her side; at the age of 87 years.
The daughter of the late Dolphis Gordon Grew and Clara Marie (Festerling) Bernecker, Donna was born on September 17, 1936, in Saginaw, Michigan. She attended Saginaw High School. Donna married James Leonard Luplow on October 23, 1954; he preceded her in death on December 25, 2013. Donna worked in the dietary department at St. Luke’s Hospital, preparing food for the patients for many years of loyal and dedicated service. She also had an in-home child care for six years. Donna was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She enjoyed painting, family picnics, and traveling, especially to her favorite vacation spot, Traverse City. Donna loved dancing to her favorite music. Above all, Donna cherished the time with her family and loved ones.
Surviving are her son, her daughter and their spouses: Greg and Gloria Luplow, Brant; Jill and Andrew Hellwig, West Branch; grandchildren: Misty (Jody) Thiel, Nick Luplow, Danielle (Tim) Wolfe, Drake Whelton; great-grandchildren: Noah, Gavin, Lily; sisters: Janet Calamari, Sally Tate; very dear friends: Pat and Ray Ferrell. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Besides her husband and her parents; Donna was preceded in death by her brother-in-law: Robert Calamari.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of StoneCrest Assisted Living for their kind and compassionate care of Donna.
A funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N Miller Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609. Rev. Kirk Abatelli will officiate. Burial will take place at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit the family from 10:00 a.m. on Friday until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, or StoneCrest Assisted Living. Please share your condolences and memories with the family at the visitation, funeral, or online at www.casefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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