Donna Retter

Donna Marie Retter

After a 6 year battle with cancer, Donna Marie Retter, 42, has crossed over to Heaven, never defeated or losing, but simply running into her Savior's loving arms. She returned to her heavenly home on January 3, 2017. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Donna was born to Robert Pierson and Diana Clark, in Kankakee, IL on June 17, 1974. Growing up in Urbana, IL, she was immersed in the Christian community that would be her lifelong support. She graduated from Judah Christian High School in 1992 and went on to receive a degree in psychology from the Olivet Nazarene University in 1996 and a Master's Degree in counseling from Roosevelt University in 2000.

On May 3, 1997, she married Fred Retter in Urbana, IL. The family grew on September 4, 2002 with the birth of her daughter, Julia. Another addition to the family arrived on January 18, 2006 with the birth of her son, Isaac.

Throughout her life she held several jobs, initially in the field of counseling including Lambs Farm in Libertyville, IL and later focusing on music. She taught piano lessons for many years and most recently was involved in the Sing to Live Community Chorus as a singer, Assistant Conductor, and administrator. She also served as a substitute teacher at Grass Lake School and Prairie Crossing Charter School.

Donna was accomplished at singing and playing piano and flute and performed in various ways throughout her high school, college and post college years. She loved singing and playing in church and was part of the worship team and choirs wherever she was attending. She most recently attended Village Church of Gurnee, but also attended Mundelein Church of the Nazarene, The Woodfield Church in Arlington Heights, and Urbana Faith Church of the Nazarene. Shortly after her first diagnosis of breast cancer in 2011 she found a home with the Sing To Live Community Chorus and was able to sing with a new group that she would quickly consider another part of her family.

Donna was blessed with a large and loving family. She is survived by her husband, Fred; her daughter, Julia, and son, Isaac, her father Robert (Angie) Pierson and mother Diana (Butch) Clark, father and mother in law Fred and Doris Retter; 2 sisters, Debra (James) Johnson and Deann (Jeff) Hauersperger and 4 brothers, Robert (Sarah) Pierson, Jacob Pierson, Sean (Julie) Clark, and Ryan Clark, one sister-in-law, Melinda Retter, and other extended family. Donna is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather.

Donna will be buried at Warren Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. on January 10, 2017. Pastors Daniel Taylor and Todd Habegger will officiate the service.

Donna was a hard-working individual who loved the performing arts and who was passionate about exploring and receiving a well-rounded education. The family respectfully declines flowers; Memorial donations may be made to the children's college fund in care of Fred Retter or Sing to Live Community Chorus, www.singtolive.org. Prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at www.warrencemetery.com,

Donna is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator.