Donna Mae (Klopfenstein) Taelman

Donna Mae Taelman, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, March 10 at her home in North Woods Village at Edison Lakes surrounded by her children.

Donna was born April 7, 1933 to the late Harry and Margaret (Reed) Klopfenstein in Rochester, Indiana. Her sister, JoAnn Fowler, also proceeded her in death. She is survived by another sister, Carol Kay Weber of Edwardsburg, Michigan, and a sister-in-law Sylvia Taelman, of South Bend. 

Donna, a South Bend Central High School graduate, married Ralph “Bud” Taelman in 1955. Two years later, they purchased and operated a small neighborhood grocery store, Taelman’s Grocery located on South Bend’s west side. There, they tirelessly worked side-by-side, keeping the store open often seven days per week in order to loyally serve the Ardmore neighborhood for nearly 20 years. They eventually retired to their long-held dream, a home on Eagle Lake in Edwardsburg.

Bud and Donna had two children Mark (Judy) Taelman, and Pam (Doug) Marsh, five grandchildren, Christopher (Anne) Taelman, Michael Taelman, Kaitlin (Mason) O’Neal, Adam (Colleen) Marsh, Alex (Mariah) Marsh, and two great-grandchildren, Sara and Ethan Taelman. Bud and Donna also lovingly and generously helped raise Michael Galvas, formerly of South Bend. 

Donna was passionate, energetic, and thoroughly committed to everything she loved and was involved with. She deeply loved her family and enjoyed planning the many family holidays and events she hosted. After Bud passed in 1997, Donna became a dedicated and indispensable volunteer in Edwardsburg at Eagle Lake Elementary School and at Hope United Methodist Church where she was also a member, and at the Milton Home in South Bend.  She was also an enthusiastic volunteer for two church service work trips to underserved communities.

Donna’s family wishes to thank the compassionate and loving staffs at both North Woods Village at Edison Lakes and Luminary Hospice for their tender and loving care provided to Donna and her family. 

Friends and family are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, March 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Palmer Welsheimer Chapel North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following. Donna’s cremated remains will be interred with Bud in a crypt at Highland Cemetery at a private graveside service following.

In lieu of plants and flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to either Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 111 Sunnybrook, Ct., South Bend, IN 46637 or Luminary Hospice, 7321 Heritage Sq. Dr., Suite 2120, Granger, IN 46530.