Donna Mae Johnson

Donna & Bill were top managers in Tupperware in the 50’s & 60’s starting in Adrian, MI. They moved to Lansing in 1960 and built a very successful Tupperware business. Donna achieved the 5th highest manager in the nation in 1962.

Donna was the President of ABWA (American Business Woman’s Association) Lansing Chapter for many years - perhaps originating and building the movement of women in Business.

Donna did short stints selling Act II jewelry and Minnesota Woolens.

In later years she was promoted to Tom O’Brien’s Executive Secretary at Tom O’Brien & Assoc.

She later worked several years at the University Club of MSU.

Donna was a highly respected member of the Jane Sawyer Bridge Club. Donna taught all of the younger girls coming into the club. They were scheduled to restart this year’s club play on Friday, October 5 and she was planning to be there. Donna found an interest in coins and became a member of the Lansing Coin Club. She very much enjoyed the social aspects of the club and accumulated a fine collection.

Donna enjoyed fishing from a young girl fishing with her substitute parents, Myrtle & Steve Figy, at their home at Devils Lake. She enjoyed the salmon from salmon snagging in Ludington in the 70’s & 80’s. She even went fishing with her son, Les, in a little rubber dingy. She fished with her son, Allen, at their campsite and fried up grandson Isaac’s first fish for him (he wasn’t too fond of it). Donna enjoyed fixing wild game when anyone got it, cleaning the pheasants & rabbits and cooking a nice meal.

Of course, she made the famous soft sugar cookies recipe passed down from Becky (her mother-in-law), which everyone was eager to get supplied with. Many years were filled with playing double deck pinochle with all family members. Uncountable good times have been had.

Preceding Donna in death was her husband, William; 2 brothers, Archie Eicher (died in WWII at Iwo Jima), Don Eicher and 3 sisters, Gertrude King, Annabelle Erford and Janice Heinz. She is survived by 3 brothers, Joe Eicher, John Eicher and Larry Eicher; 2 sisters, Luella Markely and Peggy Warren and 5 sons, Kenneth, Dennis (Jean), Allen (Helen), Les (Karen) and Darrell (Nicola); 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Special friends to the end in life’s battles for both Donna & Bill were Pat Amante and Amber Carrasco. Pat and Amber cared for Bill for three years at end of life and subsequently cared for Donna. Pat is also assisting with Ken.

Funeral service will be held, 12:00 PM Monday, October 15, 2018 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. The family will receive friends Sunday 4-6 PM and Monday beginning at 11 AM.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.