Donna A. Gorwill
May 1, 1954 ~ February 9, 2020
Donna A. Gorwill, 65, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2020, in Sioux Falls, SD after a courageous battle with cancer.
Memorial Services will be 10:30 am, Friday, February 21st, St. John’s American Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. A light lunch will be provided following the service.
Donna A. Sauter was born May 1, 1954 to Floyd and Betsy (Moore) Sauter in Jacksonville, FL. Donna Married Tony Meckle in 1968, to this union, was born 3 children. The couple eventually parted but she always remained fond of him. She was married to Jeff Slayten for a short time. She worked various cashier and waitress jobs in Sioux Falls, SD. While working at Marlin’s Family Restaurant she met and later married Fred Gorwill.
Donna enjoyed going to Falls Park in downtown Sioux Falls with Fred and her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren. She just loved the serenity of watching the water fall from the rocks and flow downstream. Donna and Fred enjoyed attending rodeo events whenever possible. More than anything she enjoyed spending time with the children, quite often they would play Yahtzee. You could easily find her solving a crossword puzzle or watching an episode of Jeopardy.
Donna shared her voice with the congregation of St. John’s American Lutheran where she also participated in PLCA with Fred. She was always willing to help anyone in need. Her family was above and beyond most important to her. During the last few weeks of her life, she was still trying to make sure her family was taken care of even as she grieved the loss of her husband Fred who passed January 12, 2020.
Grateful for sharing her life are her children, Jodi Schilling, Lakeville, MN, April (Todd) Haugen, Mandan, ND, TJ (Shelly) Meckle, Bismark, ND; seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; five siblings, Rick (Stephanie) Sauter, Pensylvania, Cindy (Rick) Zumbaum, Minot, ND, Peggy (Tom) Schimelfenig, Carrington, ND, Rose (Bill) Pritchett, Emerado, ND, Helen Sauter (Randy Prosser), Jamestown, ND; God daughter Tana Galbreath, Steele, ND; God son Matthew Schimelfenig, Bowdon, ND.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; aunts and uncles; and her husband Fred Gorwill.
I got to know Donna and Fred through St. Dysmas and PCA. They were both so faithful in severing the Lord. May God’s peace and strength be with you all as you celebrate Donna’s life.
Mike Dircksen
Jodi,I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know you two were very close. I pray that God will be with you and your family now and forever. God has her now and she’s singing with the angels and I know some day you will be together again.
Rose & Derek,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We want you and Derek to know that you guys are in our thoughts and wish you comfort and peace as you remember Donna.
Sincerely,
Your RiceBran Technologies Family and Friends