Donna Claire Caulkins, 87, of Lincoln, died peacefully Friday January 11, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 10, 1931, the oldest of 10 children in Granville, North Dakota, to Daniel and Clarice (Pfeilschiefter) Brekke. She graduated from Velva High School, and on July 21, 1952, she married Lyle Caulkins. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last July.
Donna was a very kind and caring person. She enjoyed being surrounded by family and preparing meals for them. Her specialties were the “Teddy Bear” pancakes she lovingly made for her grandchildren and the “Norwegian Meatballs” that triggered meatball eating contests within the family.
Donna was one of only a few women who owned their own business in Lincoln when she opened her own store called “Donna’s Crafts” in the early 1970s and operated her store for over 30 years. She was an extremely talented artist in many different styles of painting. She taught classes in these styles at her store, Southeast Community College and at national conventions.
After closing her store, she continued teaching classes in her home studio and displayed her artistic talent while pursuing quilting. She also worked at Super Saver grocery store for 15 years in many different departments. She was very well-known for sampling her original recipes.
Donna’s positive spirit, amazing artistic ability, love of family and enduring faith in Christ will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Family members include her husband Lyle; sons Dan (Marilyn) Caulkins, Lincoln, Doug (Diane) Caulkins, Sun Lakes, AZ and Dave (Carolyn) Caulkins, Lincoln; grandchildren Tyler (Alexa) Caulkins, Kyle Caulkins (fiancé Sam Carsrud), Hannah Caulkins, and Corey Caulkins; great grandson Baker Caulkins; brothers Donald (Gerry) Brekke, AZ and Dan (Donna) Brekke, Minot, ND; sisters Darlene Schultz, Pepin, WI and Marlys (Bennie) Brossart, Minot, ND. Preceded in death by her parents; brothers John, Dale and Chris Brekke; sisters Eileen Bentley and Elaine Brekke.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday (1-19-19) Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner Street with Rev. Dr. Luke Schnake officiating. Prior private family committal service.
Memorials to the American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer research.
Visitation: 2-8 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill Rd).