Donna Van Roekel

Donna Mae Van Roekel, age 76, after years of numerous health issues passed away January 5, 2025 under hospice care at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls SD with her family by her side.  Her family will always remember how feisty she was, right up until her last breath.

Donna was born February 25, 1948 to Lester and Lydia (Evink) Pronk.  She and her 2 siblings, Garv Pronk and Darlene (Pronk) Gehring lived on the farm near Leota before moving to Worthington in 1956.  Donna attended and graduated from Worthington High School in 1966.

Donna was united in marriage with Doug Van Roekel June 29, 1966.  They were blessed with 2 children, Denae (Van Roekel) Klinkenborg and Dana Van Roekel.  The family was a small one but that allowed a closeness that remains strong today.

Donna was a strong Christian who was involved in various aspects of the churches she attended (American Reformed Church in Worthington MN and First Reformed Church in Sioux Falls SD) including singing in choir, quartets and trios as well as teaching Sunday School, VBS, and attending Bible study groups.  Donna had a love and talent for decorating and enjoyed using this talent as part of the decorating committee in Worthington.

Donna had a love for children and used this in her favorite occupation as a daycare provider.  She was like a grandma to the young children she cared for and developed many meaningful and close relationships with the parents and children in her care.

During her healthy years, Donna and Doug loved riding their Goldwing motorcycle together with their friends.  On Wednesday nights, they rode with a great group of friends to a different community each week for a meal and casual ride. As the weather allowed, there were several years of enjoyment on the open road with friends or on their own, but they always considered themselves “fair weather riders”.

Donna and Doug had their 60th Christmas together this year and were able to celebrate 58 years of marriage in June.  God blessed their union and made a wonderful example for others to see.  Specifically for the last 20 years, Doug was Donna’s caregiver and honorary “Dr” making sure to help coordinate her meds, appointments and any other needs Donna had.

Grateful for having shared Donna’s life are her loving husband, Doug; her daughter Denae (Chris) Klinkenborg, Dell Rapids SD; her son Dana Van Roekel, Sioux Falls SD; her only grandson Mitchell Klinkenborg, Dell Rapids SD; her great grandson Malakai Klinkenborg and her nieces and nephews.  Also thankful to share in Donna’s life are her in-laws and many friends who were very important to her.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Lydia Pronk, her brother Garv (Bobette) Pronk; and her sister Darlene (Bruce) Gehring.

Visitation will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at First Reformed Church at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025 with light refreshments to follow.