Donna Reum

Donna Mae Reum, 97, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2024. Born on July 22, 1926, in Chicago, the daughter of Oscar and Florence (Buck) Bladholm. She grew up in the Sauganash neighborhood of Chicago; while there she made friendships that lasted a lifetime. Graduated from Von Steuben High School and then continued her education at the Harrington College of Interior Design. Before her marriage, Donna was employed in Chicago as a window display coordinator at Sears and then as a counselor at Lawrence Hall Home for Boys, where she met her future husband, Dewey Reum. They began their long and happy marriage on December 31, 1952, with a wedding in the chapel at Lawrence Hall. After their marriage, they moved to Dewey's hometown of Rockford, where they raised their family in the Walker School neighborhood. Donna was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. Much loved by her family and many others. Known for her happy, caring, and positive attitude. She loved to read, garden, play piano, and send people her unique, hand-made cards. Her absolute favorite way to spend time was visiting with her family while enjoying a good meal. Her family was everything to her; she loved, cherished, and was so proud of each and every one of them. Survived by her children, Susan Erbe, Kathleen (Steven) Derr, Jean (Thomas) Oberg, and William Reum; 10 grandchildren and their spouses; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren with another on the way; and nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents; husband Dewey; sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Jack Noyer; brother and sister-in-law, John and Ann Bladholm; son-in-law, James McCall; daughter-in-law Cristina Reum, and granddaughter, Tessa Oberg. Her family appreciates the kindness and loving care she was shown by the staff at Alpine Fireside, the 7th floor nurses at Swedish American Hospital, and caregiver Kathleen Miller. A private family service to be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donna's memory may be made to the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern Hospital, https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/brain-tumor/.

Donna Reum

July 22, 1926 - May 21, 2024