Donna Jean Lessen, 88, passed away at 3:15 p.m. at St. Clara’s Manor on November 4, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

 

Donna was born on April 24, 1929, in Lincoln, IL; daughter of Oliver William and Edna (Hilgendorf) Kromminga. She married Henry "Hank” Lessen Jr. on December 26, 1948, in Lincoln, IL. He preceded her in death on May 1, 2002.

 

Surviving Donna are her children: Terry (Sheila) Lessen of Lincoln, IL and Pamela (Dean) Bismark of Hennepin, IL; one brother: Oliver William Kromminga Jr. of Sacramento, CA; six grandchildren: Terry Lessen Jr., Josh Bismark, Annie Armstrong, Jeff Bismark, Matthew Fricke, and Erik Fricke. Nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter: Kristie Fricke, and one grandson: Scott Alan Lessen.

 

Donna was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was very active in church activities and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #263. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, really looked forward to cousins reunion day, loved singing and playing the piano; she loved animals, and always had a furry companion.

 

A memorial service for Donna will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln, IL with Rev. Roger David officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Donna’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Alzheimer’s Association, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.