Donna Marie (Benway) Gaertner Falk

Donna M. (Benway) Gaertner Falk

Beloved aunt and dear friend passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at Covenant HealthCare – Harrison. She was 91 years old. Donna Marie Benway was born on August 14, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Fred J. and Violet F. (Turner) Benway. She married Gerald A. Gaertner on May 19, 1951; he preceded her in death on December 23, 1998. Donna later married Robert Falk; he preceded her in death on August 23, 2016. She was employed for 41 years at Michigan National Bank and retired as Assistant Vice President. Donna was a member of the Quota Club International for many years and volunteered as one of the Quota Clowns. She was a past member of American Legion Post # 439 Women’s Auxiliary. Donna will forever be remembered for her fierce independence, her guidance and wisdom, and for her kind and selfless heart.

Surviving are a three special nieces and nephews: Gail (Steve) McDonald of Birch Run; Roscoe Esckilsen of Saginaw; Bill (Buni) Gaertner of Thomas Township; lifelong friends: Beverly Broihier and Linda Noey. Also surviving are many additional nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and additional family members.

She was preceded in death by her husbands: Gerald Gaertner and Robert Falk, parents: Fred J. Benway and Violet F. (Joseph) Jasinske; brother, John Benway; sisters: Alice Burns and Leona Esckilsen, as well as some nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road. Rev. Fr. Kevin Wojciechowski will officiate. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Saginaw Foundation or Saginaw County Animal Shelter. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefunerahome.com.