"When I was young no Saturday was complete if you didn't get a treat at Doncker's before the movie. Mr Doncker always made me feel that my small purchase was the most important one of his day. My mother loved going to his store. She could cruise down in her wheelchair and go in and out of the store. She always said it was one of her favorite trips. Thank you for sharing your dad with all of us."
In loving memory of
FREDERICK WILLIAM DONCKERS
February 7, 1929 - December 20, 2011
Frederick William Donckers, 82, of Marquette, MI went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, peacefully at home surrounded by the love of family and friends.
He was born February 7, 1929 at St. Mary's Hospital in Marquette to the late Frank C. and Ingrid H (Lindbolm) Donckers.
Fred graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1947. He then worked at Donckers Candy Store from 1945 until 1950. Donckers Candy Store was first opened by his grandfather in 1896.
Fred then proudly served his country with the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. After returning to Marquette in 1954, he went back into business with his brother, Frank at Donckers until 1971. He then purchased Lutey's Flower Shop which he operated until 1982.
In 1989 Fred purchased and operated Donckers Candy Store in Marquette until 2007. He received an honorary PhD from the school of fudge making from friends and family, thus earning him the monikers; "Dr. Fudge" and "The Candy Man".
Fred married the love of his life, Nancy (Messerschmidt ) Donckers in 1995. Fred was a devoted husband, father, bonus father, grandfather, bonus grandfather, and bonus great-grandfather, and friend.
Fred was a pillar of his community having served on the board of directors for U.P. Catholic Credit Union for 39 years, Marquette General Hospital for 33 years, Child and Family Services for 36 years, Marquette Downtown Business Association, Marquette School District, past president of the Marquette Area Chamber of Commerce, volunteer for Easter Seals , and helped to start the local USO in the 1950's.
Fred had a strong faith in God and was a member of St. Louis the King Church.
He loved nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends. Fred held friends in high esteem and though too numerous to count, he treated each one like a best friend. He cherished his daily coffee clutch with friends. Fred liked to raise a Manhattan or two. When Fred married Nancy he met another very special woman, his mother in law, Verna Messerschmidt. Verna brought with her a love for playing cards, which carried onto Fred.
A single-share stockholder of the Green Bay Packers and season ticket holder since the Ice Bowl, Fred bled green-and-gold and like many a fan considered himself an assistant coach.
He was a fan of the Rat Pack, especially Sinatra. Yes, Fred did it "his way"….at least until his beautiful wife came along. Then he did it "our way".
Fred was at ease in his skin and could help you feel comfortable in yours. He embraced life in all its rich hues and stark grays, and gave thanks each day for all who chose to share it with him. He was generous to a fault. Fred often commented about the beauty that surrounded him and he wasn't just talking about his wife. He once commented as he drove over hilly terrain just outside Marquette that he felt close to God when he witnessed the grand spectacle of leaves changing color at the peak of fall. He taught his daughters to play tennis and enjoyed running on the shores of Lake Superior.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Donckers; daughter and son-in-law, Jill and (Greg) Sandell of Marquette, MI; son-in-lawMike Stoolmiller, Marquette MI; "bonus" children Annette (Rick) Nitke of Abrams, WI, Trina (Tim) Taylor, Minneapolis, MN, Bob (Sheri) LaFrombois, Steve (Carrie) LaFrombois, Suamico, WI, Rick (Kara) LaFrombois, Wausau, WI; grandchildren, Will Wayland, Laura Wayland, Carson Stoolmiller, Gretta Donckers, Gary Pearson, Jr., Matthew Pearson, Robert LaFrombois III, Jillian LaFrombois, Logan LaFrombois, Sam Burns, Ana Taylor, Wyatt Taylor, Owen LaFrombois, Caleb, LaFrombois, Quinn LaFrombois; great granddaughter Zoe LaFrombois; sister, Ingrid (Gary) Alkire of Bessemer, MI; also several nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his daughter Catherine Donckers; infant children Ann Louise and Kevin; brother, Frank C. Donckers and sister, Betty Mrotek.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 12 noon in St. Louis the King Catholic Church, 264 Silver Creek Road, Marquette, with the Rev. Fr. Benedetto J. Paris, pastor officiating and Deacon Scott Jamieson assisting. Fred's family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass Friday. A luncheon will take place immediately afterward in the church hall. Spring burial will occur in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
A warm and sincere thank you to Dr. Tom Huffman, P.A. Steve Bailey, and his favorite nurse, Marcie of U.P. Medical Center; Dr. Dan Mazzuchi, Lynn Montgomery, and Jessica Serman of Lake Superior Hospice, and Dr. Scott Jamieson for your kind and loving support.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider St. Louis the King Catholic Church or Easter Seals in Mr. Donckers' memory.
Fred has touched the lives of so many. He will be remembered for his warmth, sunny disposition, laid-back demeanor, and zest for life. He will be loved, revered and held dear to our heart as we recall his favorite saying… "My everyday is like everyone else's New Years Eve!"
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Hi Jill - My deepest sympathy. I have so many great memories of your Father at his store. His friendliness, warmth and sense of humor will be remembered. May your wonderful memories carry you through at this time."
"To the Donckers family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. Fred will be deeply missed. I always enjoyed talking with him at the Credit Union and Doncker's candy store. He was always very welcoming and a delight to be around."
"Mr. Donckers gave my terminally ill son some beanie babies from the store when he was a patient at MGH. My son was a frequent customer of the store during his childhood. He passed away when he was 18. I will never forget how wonderful Fred was to my son. He had a heart of gold!!!!"
"I have fond memories of Uncle Fred, rest in peace."
"Donckers Family, Sorry about your family loss. Fred will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."
"Fred was always such a fun guy. He used to bring us samples of fudge when he came to pay his taxes at the courthouse. He will be missed. He was a icon in Marquette. Our deepest sympathies to the family."
"Dear Nancy So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was a fun guy and will be missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Patty Neva & Denny Beck"
"Nancy Fred's antics and laughter was contagious to all those that were in his presence. You will have many fond memories."
"Nancy and Jill, Uncle Fred was one of the most genuine souls that I have ever known. I will miss him dearly and will always hold his smile and love in my heart. My prayers and love are coming your way right now and throughout this holiday season. I love you both and BIG hugs from Andrew and me."
"Ingrid, I also want to send a BIG hug and my love to you right now! Uncle Fred was an absolutely amazing man with the kindest smile imaginable. I love you and miss you. God bless you and the rest of the family."
"Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about Fred. We all had so many good times together. As I think back many of them bring a smile to my face. He was such a dear man. I am so glad I was able to really get to know him when we shared the years on the Board. Know that you and he are in my thoughts and prayers. A card will follow. Mary Lou"
"We are so glad to have met Fred at Kara and Rick's wedding and to visit with him again at Quinn's Dedication ceremony. Fred had an infectious smile , everyone that talked to him Smiled,too. We know he is in Heaven smiling down on his loved ones. Our Love, Kara's Mom & Dad, Ken and Kathy Rakowski"
"I have so many great memories of Fred...riding to basketball games to the Soo in the Lutey's van, painting the greenhouses for an entire summer. When somebody tells me they are "on their way" I still mentally reply with Fred's favorite response..."so's Christmas". Jill and Nancy, please know, Fred will be missed, and he'll be remembered."
"Our condolences and prayers are sent to the Doncker's family during this difficult time. Fred was a staple in the community and will be missed dearly. Sincerely, Liz and George Ellis"
"My sincere condolences. I get a smile when I think of Fred and I hope wonderful memories of him make you smile, too."
"Dear Nancy and family, Fred brought much joy into my Dad's life through a great friendship, he will be missed deeply in his life. P.S.: Thanks Fred for sharing your candy with my kids over the past 27 years...anytime i would bring them in in their strollers, you would always say "pick out a piece" Thank you."
"Fred was my first boss, mentor and a very good friend. Whenever we ran into each other it was as if no time had gone by, he was always fun to chat with and he made us all feel so special. He will dearly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you his family at this time."
"Fred was a great man of God and Country, many a nights listening to Frank Sinatra. If there was a "Mr. Community" it was Fred ...he will be missed but remembered fondly for all the good things he has done. Warm thoughts are with you Nancy..Fred was a dear friend to all who knew him...God speed Fred !"
"To Fred and his family my greatest sympathy. On my many visits back to Marquette I enjoyed seeing Fred who always had a kind word and time for a chat. He and Frank have a special place in my heart and have left a great legacy to the people of Marquette. May he rest in peace. Tonight I'll make and enjoy a Tin Roof Sundae in his honor."
"Nancy & family Larry & I are sending you our thoughts & prayers. Larry & Mary"
"Mama nancy and family,I am so sorry 4 your loss..Fred was a Amazing person and I am so lucky that I got to have the honor of knowing him and most importantly loving him like a second Dad!! :)) I sure am gonna miss him,Making him his Favorite drink and hearing him say"a shot for me one for you and one for the pope" and after Mama Flossie passedaway we had to add another for her!! :) I hope Nancy you both knew and know how Special you are to me!! I can hear him right now saying "See you later RockOn" Well Fred who's gonna bring me Truffles?? Everytime I eat one I will think of you!! :)) Well my Dear friend I guess it's time for me to say until we meet again.."See you later RockOn" I love you so much and I'm gonna miss you dearly. If you need anything Mama Nancy you know I'm always here. God Bless you and your family. Love you,Tina xoxo"
"Carrie, Steve, Rick, Kara & Kids We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in our thoughts. The Nuske Family"
"We will sure miss him Nance at Church every saturday.And always.We will pray for you Nance."