Obituary

In heartfelt sorrow, we announce the death of our father, George H. Donker, 92, who passed away on March 10, 2026.

George was born on May 5, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan to George G. and Jennie Donker. George graduated from Cooley High School in 1951; in 1953 he enlisted in the Army during the Korean War. George was stationed in Germany until 1956.

George returned to Detroit and married the “love of his life” Judy Maurer in 1959. George and Judy celebrated 65 years of marriage on October 10, 2024. He and Judy had five beautiful children. They traveled to Germany, Hawaii and the Outer Banks together and with family. Dinner parties were enjoyed with friends, they gathered often with their children and grandchildren for barbecues, games and laughter.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University as well as attended the Detroit Institute of Technology. George later entered the Master’s Degree program at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

George started his distinguished career with Schering-Plough in 1962 as a Pharmaceutical Representative in Detroit, Michigan. In 1978 he was promoted to District Manager of the Columbus Ohio Region. Five years later, Schering-Plough once again recognized George’s accomplishments with a move to Kenilworth, NJ as Director of Military Sales. In this position, George was able to travel not only throughout the US but internationally as well.

In later years, George was the president of the Jersey Shore Harley Owner Group, where he led beautiful motorcycle rides not only in New Jersey but through covered bridges in Pennsylvania. The Rolling Thunder rides for veterans to Washington DC as well as charitable rides for Ronald McDonald House were enjoyed by many with George’s leadership and coordination.

George was happiest in the role of husband, father and grandfather. He was predeceased by his loving wife Judy in 2024. George is survived by his children Cheryl Lacey of Durand, Michigan, Pamela Thompson and her husband Craig, of Middletown, New Jersey, George Donker and his wife Tina, of Coweta, Oklahoma, Kris Donker and his wife Cathy, of Parkland, Florida and Tracy Blitzer and her husband Chuck, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; 9 grandchildren Krystal Recker, Scott Recker, Lauren Thompson, Ryan Thompson, Alexa Hughes, Cierra Ash, Jason Donker, Devon Blitzer and Matt Blitzer; 7 great grandchildren Jersey Recker, Cooper Hughes, Phoenix Hughes, Selah Hughes, Pepper Hughes, Jack Hughes, Teddy Ash and Sister-In-Law Barbara Lewis, Brad and Todd Lewis.

George had a passion for dogs, travel and motorcycles. Always in a good mood, others were drawn to his humor, honesty, integrity and kindness. He thrived best when challenged and called upon to problem solve. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.

A private family celebration of life will be held for Judy and George later this year. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association to help find a cure.