Donna Marie (Kontz) Verschelde was born on August 6, 1935, in Elkton, SD. She grew up, one of nine children of Arnold and Loretta (Galles) Kontz, on the family farm near Gary, SD. On July 12, 1954, she was united in marriage to Donald Verschelde in Gary. The couple lived near Minneota for a time before moving to Porter where they raised their family. Donna worked as a nanny for a few years for the Harvey and Maggie Wollum family before taking employment with Schott’s in Minneota where she worked for over 20 years. Donna was an excellent mother and her primary focus was her kids and later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She continued providing loving care to them, for many years alone after her husband died at a young age. She was a devoted member of St. Edward Catholic Church and her faith was very important to her. Donna also enjoyed playing cards, watching tv and spending time at home.
Donna died on Monday, April 20, 2015, at the Sanford Healthcare Center in Sioux Falls, SD, after a brief illness.
She is survived by her children Julie Bottelberghe of Minneota, Donald Jr. (and Nona) Verschelde of Porter, Judy (and Lance) Tomiczek of Converse, TX, Connie Tomiczek of Chaska, Dan (and Judy) Verschelde of Porter, grandchildren Jeremy (and Nicole), Matt (and Tessa), Angela (and Brad), Heather (and Bill), Kelly (and Adam), Laura (and Jeremy), Megan (and Marty), Lance Jr., and Andrew, 17 great-grandchildren and two on the way, siblings Clary (and John) Keimig of Prior Lake, Dale Kontz of Minneota, Betty (and Greg) Dephilippis of Mira Loma, CA, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, son-in-law Harold, siblings Laurel (and Mary), Bob (and Elaine), Frank (and Leola), Marjorie (and Lyle) and infant brother Wayne.
Blessed Be Her Memory.
