Archived Services

Donna Marie Rassel
10-26-2010

Donna Marie Rassel, 81, passed away December 26, 2010 at Bethany Lutheran Home in Sioux Falls. She was born on July 14, 1929 to Theodor and Mathilda (VanderWoude) Aschoff at their home southeast of Sioux Falls. Donna attended country school southwest of Sioux Falls up to the 8th grade and then had to take care of her mother because she was sick after having their youngest daughter and also had foot surgery. Donna worked at Shipley's Laundry until she married Harold Wilka in November of 1967. They lived in Sioux Falls where they had a son, William. Harold passed away in 1970. She then married William Rassel on August 5, 1972. They lived in Spencer, Iowa for approximately one year. They moved to Grimes, Iowa for approximately two years. They then moved to Worthing, SD for a while where they had their daughter, Dawn Rassel. During this time, she was a housewife. They moved to a farm northwest of Tea in 1976 and stayed there until 1992, when they moved into Tea. William passed away in 1996. She moved into Prairie Crossings in 2005. Donna is survived by a son: Willy Wilka, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter: Dawn (Keith) Olson, Sioux Falls, SD one granddaughter: Nevada Wilka, MI; one sister: Gertie (Myron) Olson, Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters-in-law: Jeanie Aschoff, Sioux Falls and Mary Aschoff, Brandon; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands and four brothers. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Prairie Crossings, Bethany Lutheran Home and Asera Care for the special care, love and attention devoted to our Mom in the latter years of her life. Visitation will be Tuesday, 5 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, 10:30 AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Tea.