Donna Kessel
June 9, 1952 ~ November 15, 2020
Donna M. Kessel, 68, of Gettysburg, passed away Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Avera Gettysburg Hospital.
In honor of Donna’s wishes, no services will be held. She will be buried with her husband at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis.
Donna Marie Cornelius was born June 9, 1952 in Detroit, MI to Donald Clayton and Marguerite Elizabeth (Hibbert) Cornelius.
On June 7, 1980 Donna was united in marriage to Dennis Kessel in Indianapolis, IN. They made their home in Indianapolis, IN before moving around due to Dennis’ service with the United State Army. They lived in Augsburg, Germany, Pusan, South Korea, and North Dakota before moving to Gettysburg, South Dakota to be closer to family.
Donna worked in the insurance industry as well as being a full-time mom. During her free time, Donna enjoyed camping, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family.
As a young woman, Donna took care of everyone and everything. She was so full of energy and was the type of mom that every kid wished they had. After raising her own family, she became a foster parent to a large number of kids, adopting three of them. Donna was plagued by sickness in the later years of her life, however she still managed to be everything to everyone.
Those left to cherish Donna’s life include her children: Dawn Asani, Gettysburg, and Debi Labadie, New Haven, MI; sons: Danny (Missy) Meinke, Gettysburg, Norm Kessel, Selby, and Chad Edward, Dickinson, SD; grandchildren: Jessica Smith, Carlos and Joshua Garza, Rayven, Bishop, and Zoe Meinke, Skyllar Asani, Jeremiah and Jaden McNeal, and Shad and Seth Sharp; great grandchildren: Izaiah Velasquez, Jack and James Garza, Kiera Kessel and Kylie McNeal, and Legend McNeal; brothers, David Cornelius and Doug (Toni) Cornelius; sister, Diane (Bob) Labadie; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Fredrica (Mel) Obrigewitch, Juanita (Danny) Reames, Celeste (Richard) Shepard, George (Cheryl) Kessel, Jackie Anheluk Kessel, and Daniel (Karen) Kessel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dennis Kessel; brothers, Ray and Dennis Cornelius; daughter, Crystal McNeal; and sister-in-law, Alice Cornelius.
Memorials may be sent to Danny and Dawn Meinke, 504 S Harrison, Gettysburg, SD 57442.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Donna’s arrangements.
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So glad I was able to make it to Uncle Dennis funeral and give her a big hug. Aunt Donna was a remarkable lady and she left behind a legacy of love that I am sure all of her remaining children, grand children, and great grand children will continue to pass on throughout their years as will all those she touched through foster care. It takes someone very special to foster and adopt and, well Aunt Donna was a very special lady and an inspiration to all who knew her including myself. I love you Aunt Donna… rest in peace now!