Mrs. Donna K. (Thompson) Pickrel

Donna Kathryn Pickrel , 68, of Galesburg passed on peacefully, Saturday, April 28th, 2018, at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.

She was born May 28th, 1949, in Galesburg, the daughter of Edward and Nellie Thompson of Abingdon, where she was raised and educated. She married Herald “Butch” Pickrel on March 24th, 1972.

She is survived by her husband and two sons Jeff Kern of Galesburg and Justin Pickrel of East Galesburg; her beloved dog “Yadi”;  two sisters , Betty Moser of Abingdon and Ruth Bundren of Galesburg; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Ronnie Thompson of Tennessee and close friend Barrie Schaffer of Abingdon.

Donna graduated from Carl Sandburg College in 1991 with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, making the Dean’s List while there. She worked as a Registered Nurse until 2004 due to a disabling illness. Donna was 38 years old when she entered Carl Sandburg’s nursing program and worked very hard for her nursing degree and though she didn’t practice, after becoming ill, each year she had worked on her C.E.U. credits to keep her Nursing License current to this day. Donna worked in many capacities in the nursing field, as an R.N. Supervisor, Assistant Director of Nursing and Director of Nursing. She particularly loved working in the area of in home healthcare and had a special bond with many of her elderly patients whom sent her cards and letters of thanks and support after she became disabled. She was a longtime Cardinal fan and a lover of shopping, good books, movies and music.

As per Donna’s wishes there will be a graveside service at the Abingdon Cemetery.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to either the Knox County Humane Society or Guardian Angels Humane Society on Donna’s behalf.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Donna K. (Thompson) Pickrel, please visit our floral store.