Donnella L. Brecke, 92, of Rockwell and formerly of Mason City passed away peacefully Thursday, December 14, 2023 at the Rockwell Community Center.
Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St NW, Mason City, IA 50401 with Rev. Nadine Ilyunga officiating.
She will be buried at Pleasant Valley Township Cemetery in Swaledale, IA.
Visitation and public viewing will be held one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.
Memorials may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church.
Donnella L. was born November 15, 1931 in Swaledale, the daughter of Chris and Awilda “Willie” (Huntbatch) Kramer. She attended Mason City High School, continuing her education at Mason City Junior College with her CNA license. At age 14 she was exposed to the medical field at Mercy and got hooked on nursing. She took great pride in caring for others, whether it was at Americana as the Activity Director, KMART as a greeter or Mercy Home Care traveling to patient’s homes. She also had a love for art, running her own ceramics business, teaching classes and sharing her pottery with the community. In the 1970’s she eloped with Lloyd Brecke to South Dakota. The couple enjoyed traveling, dancing and time spent together. Lloyd passed away in 1993.
Donnella, a vibrant artist, lit up local craft fairs and boutiques with her beautiful pottery, hand towels, and charming accessories. Her creative flair extended to Grace United Methodist Church, where she artfully arranged seasonal decorations, even handcrafted ring bearer pillows for weddings. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she found joy in bowling, cribbage, and dancing, including Buddy Holly’s last concert at the Surf Ballroom.
For nine treasured years, she cared for her mother at home, cherishing every moment. Embracing her role as Grandma, Donnella lovingly looked after all her grandchildren, teaching them Norwegian phrases and numbers. With her spunky and fun-loving nature, she treated everyone as family, sharing jokes and laughter that created a warm and welcoming atmosphere wherever she went.
Those surviving are her children, William J. “Bill” (Lorinda) Wike of Albuquerque, NM, Rick D. “Ricky” (Gale) Wike of Lake Bronson, MN, Steven J. (Theresa) Wike of Clear Lake, Christopher D. (Angie) Wike of Mason City and Rebecca Sue Sogard of Mason City; grandchildren, Tina, Kerri, Sam, Andrew, Lucas, Kayla, Joshua, Aaron, Tia, Daniel, Clark, Tammy, Michelle, Alecia, Cameron, Kristina, Dillon, Sarah, Sheena and Samantha; 34 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Ruth (Clifford “Cliff”) Bergefer of Hampton; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Lloyd; parents; brother, Jerry Kramer; and daughter-in-law, Judy Wike.
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