Donna Lea Larson Fraczek

Donna Lea Larson Fraczek, age 69, passed away unexpectedly January 17, 2025, at her vacation home in Cape Coral, Florida.

Donna was born to Bernard James Larson and Jacqueline Ann Patterson, in Caro, on February 28, 1955. Donna graduated from Caro High School in the class of 1973. She enjoyed serving on the class reunion committee. The first in her family to graduate from college, Donna earned her bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. On June 21, 1986, Donna married the love of her life and best friend, Bill W. Fraczek. Their marriage was blessed with over thirty-eight years of countless memories.

In 1991, she began her career in Tuscola County, Michigan, as a district court probation officer, eventually earning promotions to Chief Probation Officer and later to Court Administrator. Donna had many close relationships among her co-workers and associates and took particular pride in helping to nurture the careers of others who followed in her footsteps. Her work was important to her, and she loved being able to share the sense of community and purpose it brought to her.

Donna never met a stranger; everyone was a potential friend. She loved going for weekend drives, visiting her favorite haunts with Bill and chatting up everyone she met. Wednesday nights in Caro were reserved for the “Wednesday night girls,” with whom she shared a connection spanning decades. Family members fondly remember her nurturing nature and love for babies; she was content to snuggle a baby for hours and often volunteered to rock fussy babes during church services. Her daughter’s friends recall how she took time to make meals for them during busy summer months, fostering community and connection for a new generation.

After retirement, she enjoyed spending the winters in Florida where she & Bill continued to forge connections, making friends from one pleasant peninsula to another. Donna touched innumerable lives and will be deeply missed by the many people lucky enough to know her and be loved by her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill; her daughter, Jamie Martin and her son-in-law, Brad Martin; sisters, Helen Larson and Frank Stoup, and Karri Larson; brothers-in-law Hans and Susie Fraczek, Richard and Melanie Fraczek, and Timothy Lloyd; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Beccy Jo Larson Lloyd.

In keeping with Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May, 10, 2025 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. Donna’s family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home from 9:00 am until the time of the service. To honor Donna, please take the time to share a memory of her with others.