Donald Plewka

PLEWKA – Mr. Donald F. Plewka, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed on full in years on October 7, 2016. “Born on May 22, 1928, I was fortunate to have been loved and cherished by my most dear and devoted companion and friend of 53 years, George Edward Woolfson, who predeceased me in death in May of 2011, and who in God’s mercy and through the intercession of His compassionate Mother, I shall see again. I was blessed to have been born into a most loving family with a caring and dear mother and father who were the most devoted and best of all parents. I was also blessed with three loving and beloved sisters, Maxine, Barbara, and Carol who shared with me the love and companionship of family and gave to my life value for many years. Also enriching my life were my two dearest friends, David and Margaret with whom I knew generosity and shared the gift of conversation and the joy of laughter. My blessings also extend to a family of nieces and nephews who were very dear to me. My accomplishments are not worthy of mention. I was blessed to have seen and enjoyed in company with my dear companion, much of the beauty of this world – the sights, the art, the music, and we were privileged to have shared the kindness and friendship of many we met on our sojourns. Some of the greatest joys in my life were my books, my music, and my pets, both canine and feline, who gave me great solace in my later years. All most aptly expressed by Longfellow and paraphrased by me:

The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, the joy of music, and all the sweet serenity of books . . . God forgive me for having taken all of His gifts so cavalierly – with so little in return? My sincerest wish, please God, is that a word of mine spoken in love; a kindness expressed in some small act; a generosity given unasked, made better the lives of those I cherished and knew and those I met along the way made me, in some small way, memorable to them. My love to all whom I held dear and cherished. Incomprehensible to me at what is to come . . .

“De profundis clamavi ad te domine – domine exaudi vocem meam.”

“Out of the depths I cry to you, oh Lord, Lord hear my voice.”

As per my wish, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass celebrating Donald’s life will be held Saturday, October 22 2016, 10:00 AM at the Carmelite Monastery in Parnell, Michigan. www.lifestorynet.com