Donna Marie Bickel

Donna Marie Bickel, age 63, of Elkton, died Tuesday evening, November 14, at her home while under hospice care.
She was born September 5, 1943 in Clarkfield, MN to the late Arnold and Edna (Stanke) Steinke.
Donna Marie was baptized October 10, 1943 at St John’s Lutheran Church, Omro Twp, MN and was confirmed there on May 9, 1957. She graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1961 as salutatorian She furthered her education at Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN, graduating 6th of 72 students in 1965. From there she began her teaching career at St. Joh’ns Lutheran School, a one-room school in Alma City, MN, from July of 1965 thru June of 1967. On April 10, 1967, she received and accepted a call at St Paul’s Lutheran School in South Haven, MI.
On July 12, 1969, she was united in marriage to Elton R. Bickel, at St. John Lutheran Church, Omro twp., MN. Her husband had accepted a call from Apostles Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH. A short time later, Donna Marie began teaching at Zion Lutheran School in Toledo. When Apostles Church moved across the border to Temperance, she taught at St. Stephen’s Lutheran School, Adrian. Then in 1997, her husband accepted a call from Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkton, MI where she became a substitute teacher for area Lutheran elementary schools, retiring 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 spent much of her spare time quilting and reading. She helped with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a Lutheran Girl Pioneer leader and played the organ over 40 years.
One for her favorite Bible verses was “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
Surviving are her husband, Elton; three brothers, Gary (Pat) Steinke of Boyd, MN, Roger (Sue) Steinke of Springfield, MN and Loren (Sue) Steinke of Shakopee, MN and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday November 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkton.
Pastor James Gorsegner of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Berne will officiate with burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Omro Twp., MN. Friends may call at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton from 2 to 8 PM Friday and at the church after 10 AM Saturday. Memorials may be given to the Trinity Parsonage Kitchen Fund or Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw. A second service will be conducted at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Omro Twp., MN Wednesday, November 22.