Obituaries : Donna Jean Burchell

Donna Jean Burchell went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 19, 2023, at the age of 95. Donna died peacefully in Diamond Bar, California. She spent the last four years of her life in California, but her heart was always in Minnesota.Donna was born on November 22, 1927 to Elmer and Cora Woltersdorf in Van Horne, Iowa. She was the youngest of three children. Donna grew up in Van Horne, graduating from Van Horne High School in 1945, Salutatorian of her class. Donna then moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduated from Business College, and worked for an insurance company for 7 years.Donna's family often traveled to Minnesota on fishing trips where she met her husband, Reginald Burchell. They married in November of 1953, and made their home in Virginia, Minn. They had three children, Carol, Glen and Gary. Donna lived in Virginia until September of 2019.Through the years Donna's first priority was always her family. However, she also worked at Hope Community Presbyterian Church as the church secretary and treasurer for 34 years, retiring at the age of 82. Whether at church or at home, Donna kept busy. She gardened, was an excellent cook and baker, sang in the choir, played Canasta whenever possible, and was an active member of her local PEO chapter. Donna also mowed the lawn and shoveled snow until the age of 90.Donna is survived by her three children, Carol Oshiro (Lloyd), Glen Burchell (Jayne), and Gary Burchell (Julie). Donna has five grandchildren, Joel Gantt (Jillian), Cassandra Gantt, Evan Burchell (Mekeala), Jean Burchell, and William Burchell (Andie). And six great-grandchildren, Ava, Jackson, Brody, Kai, Kinsley and Ivy.A service will be held to celebrate Donna's life on Saturday, June 22, at 1 p.m. at Hope Community Presbyterian Church in Virginia, Minn.