Donald James Ehrke

Donald J. Ehrke, age 88 of Owosso passed away peacefully at home with his daughter and grandchildren at his side on Monday, September 29, 2025. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and father-in-law. Per Donald's wishes cremation has taken place.
Mr. Ehrke was born in Centerline, Michigan on January 25, 1937, the son of Alfred Harvey and Neva May (Fries) Ehrke. He was a graduate of Owosso High Class of 1954.
On September 2, 1958, he married Nancy A. Duffey of Owosso. She passed away on December 29, 1962, of kidney failure. On May 1, 1965, he married Caroline M. (Knoblauch) Nichols of Owosso. She passed away on January 26, 1999, of cancer. They had one daughter, Connie Denise, born on November 6, 1968.
He and his family moved to Owosso in 1948. As a teen he worked at his parent's bar on weekends. In 1959 he started working at Schneider's Appliance as a TV repairman. He bought the business in 1977. In the spring of 1990, he moved the business out onto East M-21. In 1997 he sold the business and retired. At that time, he and Caroline became Snowbirds and went to Crystal River, Florida for the winters. He continued to spend the next 17 winters in his home in Florida. Then in 2014 he moved back to Owosso, Michigan full-time.
As a young man Donald also served in the National Guards from September 26, 1960, to September 25, 1966. During that time, he served as an intern for six months starting January 26, 1961, for Army training at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Donald was a lifelong Aviation enthusiast. Having flown over 50 years, a variety of aircrafts, including his own home built high performance Lancair aircraft in 1991.
Besides his biggest passion of flying, he enjoyed spending time with family making many memories, enjoying having campfires and reminiscing, kayaking, traveling, watching football and golf, going to the casino playing cards and tinkering with things that were broke to try and fix them.
Survivors include daughter Connie (Thad) Hauk of Morganton, Georgia, grandchildren Mikayl (Jesse) Wood of Owosso, Trais Hargrave of Owosso, K'Lee Hargrave of UP and Cedric Hargrave of Owosso; great grandsons Zayne and Kayden Wood; his special cat companion Mia; one brother Thomas Ehrke of Sterling Heights and many nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Charles, John, Robert, sister Mary (Stamper), and son-in-law Larry Hargrave.
Online condolences may be shared to his family at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com