Donna Maurine Schipke, 93, Newell, died Thursday, April 30, 2009 at her home in Newell surrounded by her daughters. Following her wishes her body was cremated.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at 2:00 pm at the Newell Christian Fellowship Church (Congregational Church) with Pastor Sean Carney officiating. A celebration of life will follow at the Austin Auditorium in Newell. We wish for all of you to come with a story of your own to share.

Donna was born to Oscar and Madge (Kendall) Milberg on April 27, 1916 in Newell, SD. She attended grade school at the Milberg Country School and graduated from Newell High School in 1935. Donna went to Yankton College received a teaching Certificate. She taught at two country schools, the Webb School and Horse Creek School. On April 21, 1939, Donna married Byron Schipke and they spent 56 years together on the Schipke farm on Horse Creek and raised five daughters. Donna continued to reside on the farm until her death for a total of 70 years this April. She taught 18 years in Newell School, and most remember her as the Kindergarten teacher. She was president of Newell PTA and NEA president. She served on the Newell School Board for two terms after her retirement. She was a member of the committee that chooses Student of the Month' for Newell High School until February 2009.

Donna organized the Pollyanna Extension club 63 years ago and was the only original member still active in her club until her death. She was also a 4-H leader for many years and she was Newell Blood Bank Coordinator from 1983 to 2004. Donna has been Food Chairman for Ram Sale from 1982 to fall of 2008. She served on the election board for many years and she was Newell representative on Butte County's Council for the Aging. She was chosen by the Newell Community Club to serve as Newell's Labor Day Parade Marshall in 1998. In 2000, Donna won the Spirit of Dakota Award representing the best of South Dakota womanhood and pioneer spirit.

Donna has always been very active member in the Congregational Church (Newell Christian Fellowship), serving as an officer or member of the Board of Trustees several times, teaching Sunday school, and Bible school. She was also active in the Northern Hills Christian Women's for years and served as an officer several times.

Donna is survived by her five daughters in South Dakota: Sharon (Bob) Miles of Newell, Kandee (Larry) Snoozy of Rapid City, Susan Orwick of Piedmont, Sally (Juel) Rall of Buffalo Gap and Denise (Neil) Smeenk of Newell; 12 Grandchildren, 19 Great-grandchildren, and 3 Great-great-grandchildren; one brother, William J. Clark (Roberta) of Dallas Texas and one sister-in-law, Grace (Schipke) Hammond of Minneapolis, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar & Madge Milberg; her husband, Byron Schipke; one sister, Lauris (Peggy) Brekenfeld; a son-in-law, Howard Orwick; a grandson, Matt Orwick; 2 grand-daughters, Julie (Orwick) Sexton, and Shari Jo Miles; and a great-great-grand-daughter, Sage Marie Mutchler.

A memorial has been established to the Newell Christian Fellowship Church and the Newell Public Library.