Donald Tomaszewski

1960 - 2025

Donald Tomaszewski
Bear Lake, MI
01/17/1960 - 01/23/2025
Don Tomaszewski, age 65 of Bear Lake, MI passed away the morning of January 23rd in his home while surrounded by his loving wife and three children. His passing followed a hard-fought battle with colon cancer.
Don was a loving and faithful servant to his savior, Jesus. His relationship with Christ colored every earthly relationship he held and was the driving influence for the love that he shared with all who knew him. His commitment to serving Jesus and loving those around him will leave lasting impacts on many that encountered Don on his earthly journey.
Don was born on January 17, 1960, in Manistee, MI to Jerome and Joy Tomaszewski. Don has three siblings, Tom Tomaszewski, Randy Tomaszewski, and Brooke Lee.
Don attended Manistee High School and graduated in 1978. He then earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Princeton University in 1982. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sandy VanLiere, in 1982 at Heritage Baptist Church in Manistee, MI. Don built a successful career in food manufacturing with Quaker Oats, Heinz Pet Foods, Pepperidge Farm, J.M. Smucker Co., and most recently GoGo Squeez of Traverse City, where he served as Director of Operations. He led his manufacturing teams with genuine and authentic leadership and cared deeply for the people he led and served.
As a boy, Don developed a deep love for the outdoors, spending many hours hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers. As a father, he passed on these traditions to his son, Travis. He also fostered a deep appreciation for God's creation and shared his passion for conservation with all three of his children and grandchildren. Don also built countless memories playing, coaching, and watching sports with his children, namely baseball and softball, basketball, and football. Don was a beloved Poppy to eight precious grandchildren: Jack (8), Jonas (7), Jett (5), Hudson (5), Weber (5), Ada (3), Jude (3), and Archie (2).
Don is survived by his wife Sandy, his daughter Jill (Josh, Jack, Jett, Jude), his son Travis (Jessi, Jonas, Hudson, Ada), his daughter Holly (Zak, Weber, Archie), his brother Tom (Gaynell), his brother Randy (Kelly), and his sister Brooke (Matt) and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00PM on Thursday January 30, 2025, at the Tabernacle Church in Manistee with Pastor John Vermilya officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday January 29, from 4:00 to 6:00PM at the Tabernacle Church, and again on Thursday from 11:00AM until time of service at the church. Burial will take place in the spring at Fairview Cemetery in Bear Lake.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorial contributions to any of the following organizations in honor of Don: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, The Colon Cancer Alliance or the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.
Please feel free to share a memory or photo with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Manistee.