Donald Robert Gauthier Sr. passed peacefully surrounded by his wife, children, and other family members. Donald was born July 11, 1945 in Traverse City Michigan. His family lived in Maple City before moving to Portage, Michigan with his mother, 2 sisters and grandmother. He graduated from high school through the military. He enlisted in the Army, trained in Arkansas, and then was off to Korea for 2 years. After serving his term, he worked in real estate and business ventures. He chose to reenlist in the Army in 1971. Shortly after boot camp, he met Valine Bell at Fort Harrison, whom he married 1 1/2 years later on October 20, 1972. He was planning to finish his term, but instead decided to stay upon he and his wife choosing to adopt their first child. Their second child was born while stationed in Germany. They were moved to West Virginia where they had a third child. Then, sent back over to Germany for 3 1/2 years, having their fourth child. The family was moved to Fort Jackson, South Carolina where he was eventually medically discharged with honors after 20 years of service. They moved to Schoolcraft, Michigan where they continued to raise their family. Don worked and supervised carpet and flooring installation, at one time becoming self-employed. In 1996, he was able to unite with his oldest son and grandson, who became long lasting members of his family. In 2000, his strength helped him overcome and survive kidney cancer. While his health continued to decline, and was unable to work, he still remained a strong support to his family. In his younger years, he enjoyed traveling, reading, playing pool, bowling, and playing football. In recent years, he spent many hours with family, researching genealogy, driving, and watching football, as well as some favorite shows like the Big Bang Theory, Walking Dead and WWE. At the time of his death, he and his wife resided in Vickburg, Michigan. He is survived by his wife Valine Gauthier, Sisters Marge Clark of Niles, Mi and Mary Lance of Arizona, his children Mike Wood of Kalamazoo, Dominique Gauthier of Interlachen, Florida, Dawn Klingerman of Vicksburg Donald Gauthier Jr. (Rob) of Three Rivers, and Mary Gauthier of Vicksburg. He also has 7 grandchildren, Jarryd, Wade, Jeremy, Ashlynn, James, Walter and Joshua.
Don passed away Friday, October 16 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was a wonderful husband, father and a great friend. He touched the heart of everyone he met, and helped many people through the hardest of times with his love, support and guidance. He was kind, full of love, dedicated, hardworking, dependable, calm, level headed, and big cuddly teddy bear. His priority was always with his family. Everyone who met him could see what a fantastic human being he was. He will be missed beyond measure.
Please kindly note that in lieu of flowers, you may assist the family in defraying final expenses by making a contribution at www.gofundme.com/2e6mm7ms.
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