Donna M. Riekemann, 74 of Eau Claire passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at her home.
Donna was born on May 10, 1942 to Herman and Evelyn (Lange) Brummond in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She attended Robins Elementary School and graduated from Memorial High School in 1960. She met Robert “Bob” Riekemann that summer at the 4-H Fair while she was working at the food stand. Their first date was the fair dance and they were married a few years later.
She was a member of both the Sunnyview and Brunswick Busy Bee’s Homemakers clubs. Donna attended St John’s Lutheran Church and was a member of the Mary Circle. She enjoyed doing and was very talented at crafting and miniatures. Donna was a member of the Little By Little Miniature Club.
Nothing was more important to her than her grandchildren. She would go anywhere and do anything for them. And for the last year she had the pleasure of getting to spend time her great-granddaughter, Annabelle.
Donna is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Riekemann of Eau Claire; children, Bonnie (Scott) Thalacker of Eau Claire, Bill Riekemann (Teresa Herbison) of Movdovi and Jim Riekemann of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Paul Thalacker and Colin Thalacker of Eau Claire, Brittney Morford of Eau Claire, Morgan Roberts of Houston, TX, Natasha Riekemann of Marshfield, Garrett Riekemann of Fort Worth, TX, Kyle (Tom) Gappa of Osseo, Cole Riekemann of Eau Claire and Conley Riekemann of Birchwood; great- granddaughter, Annabelle; brothers, Robert (Darlene) Brummond, Tim Brummond; sister, Janet Rablin, all of Eau Claire; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol Brummond; brother-in-law, Ralph Rablin; and father and mother-in-law, Karl and Hazel Riekemann.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 11:00 am at Spirit Lutheran Church, 1310 Main St, Eau Claire, with Pastor Roger Benrud officiating. Visitation will be Monday, January 2, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the services on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow the service at Brunswick Cemetery.
My this Lord be with you in your time of sorrow. You have my deepest sympathy.
Donna was a very special lady and will be missed by her family and friends. I pray you all find comfort in the wonderful full life she lead with her wonderful talents. Thinking of all of you during this sad time.
So very sorry to hear about Donna. She was a great lady just like her mother, Evelyn (my dear friend). Even though we will mourn Donna’s passing we will rejoice that she is now safe in the arms of her savior. Thinking about all of you during this sad time.
Donna and I were confirmed together at First Lutheran Church and attended Memorial High School together also. I remember her as such a sweet girl. My sympathies to all her family and friends.
So very sorry to hear about Donna. My Deepest condolences to the Riekemann family.
When I was a kid the Riekemanns’ would hire me to help bale hay and straw and at silo filling time.
I remember what a great cook Donna was and the huge spread put on the table for all the hungry men. Pork chops and mashed potatoes and gravy were the best in the town of Brunswick. On those hot days when baling she would have ice cold milk, a huge piece of apple pie with ice cream on it. And as I recall she was the Big Buck slayer in the deer hunting party for many years.
Great memories of Donna.