Deacon Donald Charles "Don" Junak

1939 - 2023

?The Villages, FL - Donald "Don" Charles Junak, age 84, died peacefully at home on August 3, 2023, in The Villages, Florida.

Don was born on February 13, 1939, in Ishpeming, MI to the late Margaret (Morin) and George Junak. He graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1957 and went on to earn a degree in Teaching from Northern Michigan University and a Masters in Mathematics from the University of Michigan. He married Irene Seppi of North Lake on August 19, 1961. After moving to Mt Clemens, Don began his teaching career, working as a math teacher for 30 years. In 1980 Don received the sacrament of Holy Orders, becoming ordained as a Permanent Deacon and graduated in the inaugural class of Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. Don faithfully served as Deacon at St. Louis Catholic Church in Mt Clemens for over 30 years under three different priests. His service and dedication to his Parish became his pastoral mission. Don had the privilege of witnessing many marriages and baptisms including those of his own family. Following his retirement from the deaconate, Don and Irene moved to The Villages in Florida to enjoy the activities, warmth and sunshine. His children remember him as a kind, compassionate, and supportive father who led by example.

Don was passionate about gardening and liked to travel. He was a generous and dedicated individual who loved his faith and family. He was an active and devout member of the Catholic Church and often volunteered at soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and to help the less fortunate.

Don is survived by his wife, Irene; children Laurie (Neil) Winkler of Marquette, Jeff (Anne Rosen) Junak of Evergreen, CO, David Junak of Panama City Beach, FL, Matthew (Kate) Junak of Grand Ledge, MI, 9 grandchildren, Nelson and Max Winkler, Teller and Sophie Junak, Blake and Mallory Junak, Gabby, Lilly, and Josie Junak and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings, George Jr "Junior", Robert "Topsy", Agnes "Sis", and Roger.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am - 11:00am on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am, with Rev. Fr. Ryan Ford officiating. Interment will take place the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the K/D Hall at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Food for the Poor at foodforthepoor.org in memory of Don.

Don's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance. www.bjorkandzhulkie.com/