Donna Mae Dobrindt

Donna Mae Dobrindt was born to Howard and June Gest on August 18, 1943, in Elyria, Ohio. She grew up in Valley City and Mallet Creek, Ohio and went to York Elementary in Mallet Creek and Buckeye Junior and Senior High School in Medina County. In High School, Donna played the clarinet, was active in 4H and was an officer in the Walther League. She also enjoyed square dancing with friends and relatives on Thursday nights. Upon graduating high school in 1962, Donna worked for Ohio Farmers Insurance for 2 years before moving to New York City where she worked for United Airlines as a reservations specialist and in accounting. Donna met Larry Dobrindt through a mutual friend, and they married in 1966. Donna and Larry had Lori later that year followed by Dora in 1969 and David in 1971. They lived in NYC until they moved to Jamaica, West Indies in 1967, then to Liberia, Africa in 1969 and to New York State in 1977. Donna and Larry moved to Rex, Georgia in 1997 where they stayed through retirement. In March 2025 they decided to move to a senior living residence in Sterling, Virginia to be closer to family. Donna worked for the US Post Office for 25 years, was an avid reader and loved to sew, knit and sing. She made beautiful Halloween costumes for her grandchildren and knit helmet liners for soldiers. She was a member of a choral group called the 'Sweet Adelines' and sang in the church choir for many years. Donna is survived by her husband, Larry; and their three children, Lori and Craig Schmitt and their children, Megan (22) and Jacob (20); Dora and Brent Baker and their son, Eric (11); and David and Patti Dobrindt with their children, Emily (23), Ethan (20), Emerson (19) and Eli (15). She is also survived by her sister, Janet Knaggs (husband Bill); and brother, Bob Gest. A service will be held at the Daniel D. Purcell funeral home in Troy, New York on May 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. There will also be a celebration of life at the Zion Lutheran Church in Valley City on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 2 to 4 p.m.