Donald and Yolan Karcher

Donald George Karcher (1930-2025) and Yolan Irene Karcher (Gregor) (1926-2022)

Donald George Karcher, 95, passed on August 12, 2025, at Heart to Heart Hospice, while his beloved wife, Yolan Irene Karcher, 96, predeceased him on December 20, 2022. Having both lived full and remarkable lives, they passed away peacefully with family by their side. Donald requested that the family have a combined memorial. As those close to Don and Yolan would say, they were two halves of the same heart, and their spirits have now been reunited.

Yolan was born in Hungary, and at the age of five, she and her older brother Leslie, and her family immigrated to Montreal, Canada, to escape political and financial unrest. Yolan enjoyed her career as Executive Secretary to CEOs, with highlights being at Canadian Cotton, Tadasack, and Gray Rocks Resort, where she also enjoyed the high life. She was known for her sharp intellect, wit, warmth, and strong advocacy. It was during Donald's ski trip to Canada at Gray Rocks Resort that she met him, the love of her life. They married soon after, and their life together became a beautiful adventure full of love, travel, and joy. They immediately began their family with Yolan blossoming from a self-proclaimed "not even being able to boil water" person to a fabulous cook and wonderful host. She must have inherited her baking skills from her father, a professional pastry chef. Yolan was a proud American citizen, even before it became official on April 1st, 1991.

Donald was born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, and was a proud second-generation member of the Karcher Insurance Agency. He dedicated much of his life to helping others, continuing to work into his late 80s. Donald attended the University of Michigan, earning a BBA in economics. He became an ardent supporter of all things U of M, followed by graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance. Before beginning his career, he served as a Naval officer, Lieutenant JG, in the Korean War. His expertise in communications during a peaceful tour allowed him to travel the world without engaging in combat. In 1957, Don joined Rotary, serving as a Rotarian for 68 years.

The couple led an active social and family life. They shared a deep love for travel, exploring the world together, and creating cherished memories with their daughter, Linda, and son, Mark, along with his wife, Janel, and family. Whether skiing in the West, sailing the British Virgin Islands, or experiencing a dory adventure in the Grand Canyon, their family trips were always filled with laughter and joy. Their Northern Michigan condo, where they skied and boated with the kids and cousins, was a place of endless fun. They also enjoyed tennis, golf, bridge, and hosted countless parties surrounded by dear friends, including the infamous Cranbrook Swim Club group. Truly, they did it their way.

Donald and Yolan's greatest joy, however, came from their four grandchildren: Blake, Clay, Drew, and Lexie. Time spent with them was their most treasured gift. Their legacy lives on not only through their children and grandchildren but also through the many friends and family whose lives they touched with their kindness, wisdom, and love.

They are survived by their children, Linda and her partner, Dave, Mark and his wife, Janel and their beloved grandchildren, Blake, Clay, Drew, and Lexie, and Don's brother, Roy, They are also survived by Yolan's nieces Laura and Connie, as well as Don's 3rd cousins Jim and Amy

who grew up with Linda and Mark at the chalet. They will also be deeply missed by their extended family and the many friends who were blessed to have known them.

A private combined memorial/celebration of life will be held in honor of their shared love and journey. Don and Yolan's family is comforted in knowing that they are now together again, continuing their journey as they always did - side by side.

The family requests no flowers or gifts of condolence. Instead, they encourage others to honor Don and Yolan by cherishing each moment, raising a toast to the couple, or considering a donation to Michigan Palliative Care or Heart to Heart Hospice.