TRAVERSE CITY — Donald R. Gauthier, 87, lifelong resident of Traverse City, passed away Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. Donald was born on Sept. 9, 1925, to the late Leo and Rose (Bosse) Gauthier, in Traverse City.
Don answered the call of duty, proudly serving his country with the United States Navy during World War II, in addition to his 17 years with the United States Army post World War II.
Don entered into marriage with the former Charlotte Elise Plaat on Nov. 17, 1954, in her home country of Germany. The two had a loving marriage spanning 44 years until her passing on June 28, 1999.
Don was an active and instrumental part of VFW Cherryland Post #2780, Marine Corps League - Yagle Brothers Detachment #165, Masonic Lodge in Acme, and the Shriners organization out of Grand Rapids. He was a former Boy Scouts of America Leader based out of the Cherry Knoll School as well as in Germany.
Don enjoyed collecting coins and stamps and was even the president of the Coin Club from 1994 to 1997. He was an avid sports fan from his years as a basketball star on his State Champion High School Team to cheering on his children and grandchildren.
Don will be remembered for his patriotism, his attention to detail, as a loving and supportive family man and as a friend.
Donald is survived by his daughters, Linda R. Gauthier, of Traverse City, Ursula (Bryce) Gilmore, of Libertyville, Ill., and Heather (Steven) David, of Freeport, Texas; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Alice Smith; daughter-in-law, Dagmar Gauthier; and many other loving family members and friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte in 1999; sons, Richard Gauthier in 1993 and Leo Gauthier in 2003; sisters, Victorine Nowak, Georgiana Wade, Delores Yagle, Leona Darga and Rita Holcomb; and brothers, Clarence Gauthier and Robert Gauthier.
Memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with military honors provided by the VFW Cherryland Post #2780 Honor Guard. Private graveside committal services will be held in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in the spring.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's Association.
Please share your thoughts with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Archive: Monday
Donald Gauthier
-
-
Prep sports scoreboard: 05/20/2013
A roundup of high school sports results from across northern Michigan:
Continued ... -
Family of woman killed by drunk driver: 'It's just not fair'
Paul Shafer had questions for the drunk driver who killed his wife and mother of his three children. Did he know what it's like to take his children to a graveyard on Mother's Day? Did he know what it's like to have a young daughter ask, "'I don't have a mommy anymore?'"
Continued ... -
Severe weather possible this afternoon
The spring’s first severe weather could hit the Grand Traverse region today.
Continued ... -
Cheers: 05/20/2013
To the late Bill Russell, a businessman who broke barriers all his life, including opening the region's first Indian-owned manufacturing plant in 1975.
Continued ... -
Historical Photo of the Week: 05/20/2013
Can any readers identify the people in this photo? (Click the photo at right to view it larger.)
Continued ... -
Sewer rates likely to rise for city residents
City homeowners can expect their base sewer charge to jump over 6 percent beginning in July under a budget proposal before the city commission.
Continued ... -
Dunn shines, Bums win 1st game
Scott Dunn got it done Sunday. The veteran Traverse City righthander pitched seven shutout innings as the Beach Bums broke into the win column with a 6-2 victory over the Joliet Slammers.
Continued ... -
Info on May 13 historical photo
Historical photo information, provided by readers, for the May 13 image:
Continued ... -
Great weather draws thousands to NMC Barbecue
Mother Nature dished up a glorious day for the Northwestern Michigan College Barbecue, the college's annual fundraiser that attracts thousands to its wooded campus.
Continued ... -
Letters to the Editor: 05/20/2013
In decline ever since; What I didn’t know.
Continued ... -
Norsemen dominate discus throw
Suttons Bay dominated the discus Saturday in the Division 4 track and field regional here.
Continued ... -
A chance to learn about Peace Ranch
The Senior Center Network and Peace Ranch are partnering for a Spring Hoedown, with square dancing and live entertainment.
Continued ... -
News from 100 Years Ago: 05/20/2013
Marriage licenses were issued today to William J. Smith and Alta E. Wells, both of Traverse City; Will M. Russell and Lola May McCombs, both of Buckley, R.F.D. No. 1.
Continued ... -
Leelanau center upgrades old building
The Leelanau Community Cultural Center is keeping stride with modern technology while maintaining the original vintage charm of its Old Art Building.
Continued ... -
Local student earns rank of Eagle Scout
Nicholas Loew, an Elk Rapids High School freshman has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Continued ... -
Northern Notes: Visitor seeks car ferry photos for DVD
Frequent northern Michigan vacationer Ted Hayes has put his love for the area into poetry and song and is moving forward with his second DVD featuring the area.
Continued ... -
Community in Brief: 05/20/2013
Interlochen schedule changes; author program; SEEDS fashion show; and more.
Continued ... - Monday, May 13, 2013
-
Cathie Martin wins Athena Award
Cathie Martin was supposed to attend her young granddaughter’s school concert Monday night. But someone convinced the adoring grandmother to skip the concert and instead attend the 19th annual Athena Grand Traverse Award ceremony. She did that — only because she believed someone else was getting the award.
Continued ... -
Prep sports scoreboard: 05/13/2013
A roundup of high school sports results from across northern Michigan:
Continued ... -
Suspect rams jail in Kalkaska escape attempt
Authorities arrested a Bellaire man on accusations he attempted to free an inmate at the Kalkaska County Detention Center by repeatedly ramming his vehicle into the facility.
Continued ... -
City manager finalist selected
Traverse City commissioners selected their top candidate for city manager.
Continued ... -
Man arrested after jail break-in attempt
Authorities arrested a Bellaire man on accusations he attempted to free an inmate at the Kalkaska County Detention Center by ramming his vehicle into the facility.
Continued ... -
Prep Sports Roundup: Frankfort wins tournament
Hannah Nostrant had four hits — including the freshman’s first career varsity home run — to help Frankfort win the Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest Tournament on Saturday. (Plus more)
Continued ... -
Letters to the Editor: 05/13/2013
Makes no sense; Elect those who will.
Continued ... -
Woman fends off Crystal Lake flooding
Betty Wortelboer has had a tough time over the past five weeks.
Continued ...
-
Prep sports scoreboard: 05/20/2013
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
