Donna Marie Ikelman (nee Lemna), 86, of Dixon, CA, died peacefully in her home on March 22, 2024. Her death was a result of natural causes. She will be so greatly missed by the many lives she touched with her gentle spirit and positive outlook.
Donna is survived by her children, Ann (John) Vandonk of Chino Hills, CA, Tom (Wendy) Ikelman of Natomas, CA, Kim (Brian) Jones of Folsom, CA, Karl (Jennifer) Ikelman of Broken Arrow, OK, 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Douglas Ikelman of Atlanta, GA, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters Joyce Wegscheid and Darlene Frederick, and sisters-in-law Mary (Leo) Lemna, Kathy (Bob) Lemna, Becky (Dennis) Lemna, and Phyllis (Dick) Barnick.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Robert “Ike” Ikelman, and her parents, Lawrence and Margaret Lemna, formerly of Enderlin, ND. Also preceded in death by her siblings Helen (Harold) Tellinghusen, Bud (Helen) Lemna, Doris (George) Schultz, Leo Lemna, Betty (Don) Kuhn, Peggy (Don) Chesley, Dick Lemna, Dennis Lemna, Carol (Ed) Buschette, and Bob Lemna. Other siblings who died in infancy were Joan and Dale Lemna.
Donna was born on May 15, 1937 in Lisbon, ND, the 9th child of 15. Upon graduating from high school, she moved to Grand Forks, ND to attend nursing school, which she completed in 1960.
Bob and Donna were married on August 27, 1960 in Enderlin, ND.
As the wife of a career air force pilot, Donna moved 15 times to various assignment locations around the country. Since 1977 they lived in Dixon, CA, where they were deeply connected to their local parish, and to the wider community.
After working as an RN for a few years, Donna chose to dedicate herself to being a home maker. She loved doing things with her family more than anything else.
She also loved cooking, baking, and hosting large gatherings of family and friends. She will be remembered for the delicious food she served, from lasagna to pies of every kind, and from chili to the most amazing caramel rolls and gingerbread bears.
Throughout their marriage Donna saw herself as a partner in ministry with Bob, but especially so when together they went through diaconal training, and when, in 1988, Bob was ordained as deacon.
A viewing and rosary are scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 pm, at Milton Carpenter Funeral Home, 569 N 1st St, Dixon, CA 95620. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 10:00 am, at St. Peter’s Church,105 S. 2nd St, Dixon, CA 95620, with a reception to follow at the same location. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Donna’s life. For directions to the church, please call 707-678-2189.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 105 S. 2nd St, Dixon, CA 95620.
Cards and letters may be sent to the family in care of Donna's daughter Ann Vandonk, 15111 Pipeline Ave, #193, Chino Hills, CA 91709.
The family would like to thank the caring community and staff of Mercy McMahon Terrace in Sacramento, CA, who lovingly cared for Donna during the final months of her life.
