Donna Mae Frieda Ringel, age 87, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Pine Haven Christian Communities. She was born in Sheboygan on March 8, 1939, to the late Elmer and Verna (Wippermann) Knoener and grew up on their farm in Town Mosel.
Donna Mae graduated from Howards Grove High School in 1957 and then attended Sheboygan County Teachers College. She taught at both Dye Road and Prange schools, two room rural schoolhouses where she was the upper primary teacher and the principal. She next taught in Oostburg before taking time off to raise a family. Donna Mae returned to college to receive her Bachelor of Education from Lakeland College, after which she began a long career with the Howards Grove school district, first as a 6th grade teacher and later as a librarian and media specialist. She also enjoyed many years as the 6th grade camp coordinator.
Donna Mae met Leon Ringel while they were attending Teachers College and on August 19, 1961, they were united in marriage at St. Marks, UCC in Cleveland, Wisconsin. Leon preceded her in death on February 15, 2000.
Donna Mae enjoyed many activities in nature including camping, canoeing, bird watching, and gardening. Her creative eye made her skilled at sewing, cross stitch, and flower arranging, which she exhibited at the Sheboygan County Fair. She participated in 4-H as a youth, became a club leader as an adult, and spent many summers as a counselor during Sheboygan County’s 4-H camp at Upham Woods. She hosted delicious meals, fun filled game gatherings, and beautiful tea luncheons. Her love of reading and learning led to her participation in a variety of book clubs and study groups as well as being a member of the Friends of Mead Public Library and working many years with the Gift of Reading program. She enjoyed opportunities to learn about cities and cultures through her world travels with good friends. But her favorite hobby was being an avid supporter of her grandsons’ activities from music to sports, she attended all of their events. She took great joy in reading to them at any opportunity because “you’re never too old for a good picture book.”
Donna Mae is survived by her daughters, Roxanne (Kurt) Akstulewicz of Sheboygan and Cheryl (Muhammad Amir) Ringel of Washington, D.C., and grandchildren, Nicholas, Jonathan and Bilal.
Along with her parents and husband, Donna Mae was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Knoener.
A Funeral Service for Donna Mae will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at First Congregational Church, UCC, 310 Bluff Ave. in Sheboygan. Family will greet visitors at church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Donna Mae will be laid to rest next to her husband at Wildwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church, UCC or Mead Public Library in Donna Mae’s name.
Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center is caring for Donna Mae and her family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.ballhornchapels.com
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