Donna Marie Bickel was born September 5, 1943, in Clarkfield, Minnesota, to Arnold and Edna (nee Stanke) Steinke. She became a child of God through Baptism on October 10, 1943, by Pastor A.W. Fuerstenau at St John's Lutheran Church, Omro Township, Minnesota. There, Donna Marie was also confirmed in the teachings of the Christian faith on May 19, 1957, by Pastor Lloyd Hanke In 1965, Donna Marie graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota, and was called to teach at St. John's Lutheran School, a one-room school in Alma City, Minnesota. In 1967, she accepted a call to teach at St Paul's Lutheran School in South Haven, Michigan. On July 12, 1969, Donna Marie became the wife of Elton R. Bickel. They were married at St. John's Lutheran Church, Omro Township. Elton had accepted a call from Apostles Lutheran Church, Toledo, Ohio. Donna Marie began teaching at Zion Lutheran School in Toledo. When Apostles Church moved to Temperance, Ohio, she taught at St. Stephen's Lutheran School, Adrian, Minnesota. In 1997, her husband accepted a call from Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkton, Michigan. There, Donna Marie served as a substitute teacher for area Lutheran elementary schools until her retirement a few years ago. Donna Marie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkton, the Women of Trinity and a member and treasurer of the Elkton Historical Society. She enjoyed quilting and reading, and helped with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She also served as a leader for Lutheran Girl Pioneers and served as an organist over 40 years. On Tuesday, November 14, 2006, our Lord summoned Donna Marie out of this life to the joy of heaven at the age of 63 years. Among those who mourn her departure are her husband Elton; brother Gary Steinke and his wife Pat; brother Roger Steinke and his wife Sue; brother Loren Steinke and his wife Sue; uncle Art Stanke and his wife Doris; with many nieces and nephews, and friends. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21) Officiating, Pastor Allen Lonnquist Organist, Karen Mamer Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota