Donna J. Stevens

Donna J. Stevens

Aug. 13, 1943 – Feb. 11, 2019

Donna Jean (Erks) Stevens was born Aug. 13, 1943, in York, the daughter of Elmer and Rozella (Abrahams) Erks, and passed away Feb. 11, 2019, in Pleasant Dale at the age of 75 years, 5 months and 29 days.

Donna grew up in Seward and attended St. John Lutheran School and later Seward High School. She was baptized in York on Sept. 5, 1943, and confirmed at St. John Lutheran School on May 18, 1958. On Nov. 19, 1960, Donna was united in marriage to John Lyman Stevens at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. The couple was blessed with two children, Tandra and Patrick.

In 1972 the couple moved to Lincoln, where Donna worked in nursing homes and later in home health. In 1978 she earned her GED and geriatric certification. In 1986, she started her own business as a home health aide until 2000. She also obtained a phlebotomy certification in 1998. Donna wasn't interested in giving shots or medication, but in doing one-on-one care with her patients. She truly loved this type of nursing and helping others out was very rewarding to her.

She loved children's ministry and taught Sunday school for five years. Donna loved riding motorcycles with John. They enjoyed attending rallies together and became part of the Legion Riders to support the veterans. She loved CMA rally campouts where Tandra, the girls and Donna would do the children's ministry. She was the first to do children's ministry in Nebraska. This included crafts, games and water activities as well.

After retirement Donna volunteered at Tabitha Hospice for a couple of years. She enjoyed grilling out with her family and especially loved roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. One of her favorite places was camping at Precious Moments Campground during a CMA rally in Arkansas. Donna was a member of Lincoln Christian Fellowship in Lincoln, CMA Foundation Riders, American Legion Auxiliary Post 3 and became a Legion Rider through the American Legion Post 3. She especially enjoyed making desserts for the American Legion Riders meetings.

God took Donna down some tough roads the last few years, but she learned to focus on Him, and He was there the entire way with her. Donna will be remembered for her sense of humor and commitment to God, as she always put Him first in her life.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; children, Tandra Dowling and Patrick Stevens, Sr.; grandchildren, Kelly Stevens and Stacey and Casey Dowling; father and mother-in law, A.L. and Gertrude Stevens; grandparents; twin brother, Donald Erks; numerous aunts and uncles.

Donna is survived by her husband, John of Pleasant Dale; grandchildren, Amanda Bilbo of Lincoln, Michelle Reuss and husband Vincent of Lincoln, Krystalin Power and husband Phillip of Omaha, Patrick "Ricky" Stevens, Jr. and wife Annalisa of Lincoln, John Dowling of Douglas and Kyler Dowling of Omaha; son-in-law, Dale Dowling; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Stevens Hoover; brother-in-law, Dr. Eugene Stevens of Portland, Oregon, and many precious friends.

A celebration of life service was held Feb. 18, 2019, at Lincoln Christian Fellowship, with the Rev. Jason Yost officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stevens family for future designation. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.