Dwight Lester Joseph Donberger, 66, of Mount Carmel, Illinois went to his eternal resting place on February 18, 2018 at Wabash General Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on February 3,1952 to the late Fred and Clarissa (Soller) Donberger. He married Karen Kieffer on June 21, 1975 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Carmel, Illinois. They celebrated forty-two years together focused on God, family, gardening and making the community a better place.
Dwight was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to those around him. He Graduated from Unity High School, Tolono, Illinois and went to work for the union. Dwight worked as a plumber and pipe-fitter for Local # 149. After fifteen years he moved to Mount Carmel, Illinois to join in his wife’s family oil business. He became owner/operator of Kieffer Heat Treating which he retired from in 2017. Dwight enjoyed being outdoors either hunting, fishing, gardening or playing with his grandchildren. When harvesting his vegetables, he always took pride in sharing what had with others. Dwight also enjoyed woodworking, making several pieces of furniture and cabinets for his family’s home. He was also who his children called when they needed help with home repairs. Anyone who knew Dwight enjoyed his many stories he had to share. His trust in God spread beyond his own heart and into many years of dedication to the RCIA process and reaching out to others in need. Throughout his entire illness his positive attitude and strength in God not only carried him through, but also touched the hearts of many of his caregivers and friends he encountered on his journey.
Dwight will be remembered by his loving wife, Karen Donberger; children, Tracy (Ben) Borth, Travis (Julie) Donberger and Elizbeth (fiancée Nathan Hoffman) Donberger; in addition, six wonderful grandchildren, Abigail, Luke and Daniel Borth, Lillian, Olivia and Caroline Donberger; brothers, Randy Donberger of Amarillo, Texas, Steve (Debbie) Donberger of Saint Joseph, Illinois, Damian (Linda) Donberger of Tolono, Illinois, Patrick Donberger of Olympia Washington and several nieces and nephews. .
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.
A Rosary Service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church with a Visitation for Family and friends immediately following until 8:00p.m.
In leu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Saint Mary’s School, Mount Carmel Infusion Center or the Illinois Department of Natural Recources. Envelopes will be available at the church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, Illinois 62863.
The family of Dwight would like to thank all those who have walked the journey of life with him especially during his battle with cancer. The phone calls, car rides, prayers, visits to the house and hospital, and many other acts of kindness have each been considered a true blessing. He treasured and prayed for each person he encountered along the way. He and his family are eternally grateful for each of you.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Dwight’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Donberger family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.
