Donnette Dubbelde

Donnette Dubbelde…

was born to Donald and Marie (Hoffman) Koball on June 23, 1945 at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While she was growing up her family lived in various communities in the southeastern South Dakota area. Some of her fondest childhood places included the farm near Canistota and Yankton where she attended Mount Marty High School and worked as a Carhop on roller skates at the A&W. She attended her senior year of school in Vermillion, South Dakota. After graduating in 1963, she began working in pediatrics at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. On March 20, 1965, she was united in marriage to Mike Dubbelde at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. Following their marriage, they resided in Sioux Falls until 1984 when they moved to Wessington Springs, South Dakota. Three years later, in December, 1987, the family moved to Pipestone, Minnesota, she worked at bakery of Lange’s Caf for a few months before becoming co-owner of Pipestone Deputy Registrar Inc. on July 1, 1988. In the fall of 2009, Donnette was diagnosed with breast cancer. On July 1, 2010, she retired. On Thursday, April 4, 2013, she died at the Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 67 years, nine months and 11 days.

Throughout her life, Donnette was an active member of the local Catholic Church of the town in which she resided. She led the little parish leaders in Sioux Falls. She served on the Parent Advisory Board at O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. While living in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, she was involved with youth ministry and she was an educator. She loved being outside and on the water. Her favorite time of year was spring when everything bloomed and began again with new life. She enjoyed sitting out by the bonfire checking out the stars and deer around the acreage. She liked 50s, 60s and 70s music, especially the Beach Boys, Elvis, Abba, Neil Diamond and the Beatles. She always showed more concern for others than herself. She disliked being cared for, but always wanted to care for everyone first. Even with loving her husband and kids, she was devoted to her grandchildren.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Mike Dubbelde of Pipestone, Minnesota; five children, Todd (Judy) Dubbelde of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Michelle (Jeff) Crain of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Terry (Dianne) Dubbelde of Mitchell, South Dakota, Steve (Erin) Dubbelde of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Mark (Amie) Dubbelde of Wentworth, South Dakota; nineteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Jan (LeRoy) Cool of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and many other family and friends whose hearts she touched. She is preceded in death by her parents.