Alvina M. Donnewald, age 100 of Carlyle, passed away at Cedarhurst of Breese on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Alvina was born in Bartelso, Illinois, on August 22, 1925, a daughter of the late Joseph and Clara (Mensing) Bergmann. She married Raymond “Bud” Donnewald on March 28, 1951, in Carlyle, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on February 29, 1984.
Mrs. Donnewald is survived by her four children, Jean (Kevin) Howe, Mike (Brandy) Donnewald, Mary Ann (Michael) Liut, and Bob Donnewald; her adoring grandchildren, Kelly (Kyle Connors) Howe, Ryan Howe, Connor (Erin Kelly) Howe, Remy Donnewald, Jenna (Tom De Napoli) Liut, Justin (Kaytee Hernandez) Liut, Josh (Maddie Timmermann) Donnewald, Katelyn (Matt) Palm, Robbie (Emily) Donnewald, and Lauren (Zach) Haake; her loving great grandchildren, Fiona Howe, Sean Howe, Hunter De Napoli, River De Napoli, Lincoln Palm, Graham Palm, Miles Donnewald, and Campbell Haake; a sister, Leona Stover; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Clara Bergmann; her husband, Raymond Donnewald; her parents-in-law, Henry and Cecelia (Luepke) Donnewald; a daughter-in-law, Tina Donnewald; her siblings and spouses, Martha (Carl) Petrea, Dorothy (Clarence) Restoff, Virgil Bergmann, and Mary Agnes Bergmann in infancy; and her in-laws, Edward Stover, Jim (Ruth) Donnewald, Irene (Al) Romo, Mary (Carl) Ackermann, and Juanita (Bob) Moore.
Alvina worked at the Brown Shoe Factory before later staying home to raise her family. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle. Alvina was well known for her baking, especially her famous cookies and homemade bread, and she loved cooking meals that brought family and friends together. She remained active throughout her life, enjoying golfing, painting, playing cards, and dancing. Alvina also generously gave her time through volunteer work in her community. At home, she enjoyed tending to her garden and caring for her Yorkie puppies. Alvina’s warm smile and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church (1171 Livingston St., Carlyle, IL 62231) with Fr. Steven Pautler, officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carlyle. Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:45 A.M. on Monday, April 6, at St. Mary’s Church in Carlyle.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Alvina are suggested to All Saints Academy, Mater Dei Catholic High School, or to St. Mary’s Church. Donations will be received at the service or through Zieren Funeral Home (1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231). Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
