Donna M. Schlesselman, age 94, of Sidney, NE passed away at SRMC in Sidney, NE on Thursday, June 6, 2024. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sidney, NE with Pastor Ted Bourret officiating.  Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney, NE.  Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website. 

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Wednesday from 1-6:00 P.M. to leave condolences for the family.  Family will be present from 4-6:00 P.M.

            You may view Donna’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.  Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Donna’s care and funeral arrangements.

            Donna Schlesselman was born on November 13, 1929 in Chappell, NE to Hubert Marion and Neva Alvenia (Nelson) Bondegard. She attended Elementary School at Rush Creek, and Goodview, graduating from Lodgepole High School. She continued her education at Chadron, Kearney then received her teaching degree at Concordia College in Seward, NE. After college she taught a total of 34 years, 16 at rural schools and 18 at Public Schools.

Donna was baptized on December 29, 1929, and confirmed on June 18, 1944 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chappell, NE. Donna was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sidney, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Mid-Week Religion Class, and was a member of LWML. She was also a Girl Scout Leader along with helping Brownies while the girls were young. Donna was a member of Sidney Education Association.

On June 7, 1954 Donna was united in marriage to Fredrick Schlesselman at Zion Lutheran Church, to this union three daughters were born and raised.

Survivors include daughters, Barbara Henke, Patricia and husband, Mike McCabe, Darlene and husband, Ken Barber. Six grandchildren: Kevin and wife, Amy Henke, Teresa and husband, Troy Lotter, Heather Henke, Dustin and wife, Shanell McCabe, Alicia Barber, and Samantha Barber and boyfriend Zac Gines. Great grandchildren: Destinee and husband, Kalob Green, Zack Henke, Drake Henke, Miranda Bullock, Adelynn and Emma McCabe. Sister-in-law Ardis Evans and several nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Fred Schlesselman in 2003, her parents Hubert and Neva Bondegard, infant sister JoAnn Bondergard, brother Duane Bondegard, Son-in-law Joe Henke, Sister-in-law Mary Bondegard, Elaine Nelsen, and Esther Ernst.

Memorials have been designated to Lutheran Hour or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Appreciation is given to the staff at SRMC-extended care, and the Hospice Team.

The family will be available to receive friends at their residence 640 18th Ave from 1:00-4:00 on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.