Donald Bert DeNise
1943 - 2025
Donald Bert DeNise
1943 - 2025
Obituary
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Donald DeNise Obituary
A proud graduate of Clarkston High School's Class of 1961, Don went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army with a rank of Specialist E-4. He completed his training and graduation at Fort Gordon in Georgia. He served from 1961 to 1964 with assignments that took him to France and Virginia. Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career as a machinist at General Motors. Over the course of 40 years with the company, Don exemplified commitment and hard work before retiring to enjoy more time with those he loved.
To Don, family was everything. Though he carried a gruff exterior, those who knew him best understood his heart was filled with love, generosity, and unwavering loyalty. He was a devoted father to his children: Carrie (Dan) Fiske, Nicole (Joe) Martin, Bert (Evelyn) DeNise, and Amy (Tom) Lauscher. His legacy continues through his ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also held close bonds with his niece Stacy Coleman and nephew Sean Coleman.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes J. DeNise (Goodrich) and Merle J. DeNise; and by his beloved twin sister Dee Coleman.
A man of many interests, Don found joy in collecting Snoopy memorabilia-a passion that brought him delight throughout his life. He had an enduring fascination with maps and geography; he could spend hours studying them, tracing changes over time or pointing out errors with a gleam in his eye. He was greatly dedicated to family history and could trace his lineage as well as tell numerous stories of his earliest ancestors that came to America and the region. Travel was another of Don's great pleasures. He especially cherished trips to visit family in Boyne Falls and camping adventures across Michigan's Upper Peninsula with his children-memories that remain treasured by all who shared them.
A memorial service honoring Donald Bert DeNise will be held at a date and time in the future.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.
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