Donald T. Garthe

Peter:

My sincere sympathies on the loss of your father. I know how special he must have been to you, just as my dad, Harold, was to me. God's blessings and peace to you and your family.

Aunt Sue and Peter Joe and other family members. We wish to express our sincere condolences for the loss of our Uncle Don.



How well I remember him, not only because of his quickness, but how he loved to play cards, eat those hot raddishes and let's not forget his favorite beer. I learned to eat raddish sandwiches with S & P and still love those, thanks to you. How I loved it when he did those magic tricks with the disappearing quarters from one hand to the other and from behind my ear, I never did figure out how he did that to this day. I remember too how impressed I was when hearing you play the "BIG" thing called the bass, obviously you were very great at that too.



Although I will miss my last uncle very much, I will remember the enjoyment he brought to our family and obviously to many others. Whenever our Knutson family came to your house, we knew right away where to go, the back yard where the Garthe tribe always gathered and celebrated for whatever reason (sometimes didn't really need a reason). The Garthe place was always a happy place to visit and always welcomed everyone, even Red enjoyed being there. I remember those great picnics at mom and dad's house on Lake Michigan, with you and mom sitting on the back deck.



Uncle Don was a very easy going person, but still got things done and could no doubt be firm when the need was there. He was understanding and a loving person, look how all the kids turned out and no wonder you and Aunt Sue made such a great couple, your kindness and love touched so many people.



Death can be a time of saddness, but to me it's a time for rejoicing, for you are now with ur wonderful and gracious savior where peace will be forever.



Love to you all.

Toni (Knutson-Johnson) and family

Aunt Sue and Peter Joe and other family members. We wish to express our sincere condolences for the loss of our Uncle Don.



How well I remember him not only because of his quickness, but how he loved to play cards, eat those hot raddishes and let's not forget his favorite beer. I learned to eat raddish sandwitches with S & P and still love those, thanks to you. How I loved it when he did those magic tricks with the disappearing quarters from one hand to the other and from behind my ear, I never did figure out how he did that. I remember too, how impressed I was when hearing you play that "BIG" thing called the bass, obviously you were great at that too.



Although I will miss my last Uncle very much, I will remember the enjoyment you brought to our family and obviously many others. Whenever we came to your house, we knew right away where to go, the back yard where the Garthe tribe always gathered and celebrated for whatever reason (sometimes didn't really need a reason) The Garthe place was always a happy place to visit and always welcomed everyone. I remember those great picnics at mom and dad's house on Lake Michigan, with you and mom sitting on the back deck.



Uncle Don was a very easy going person, but still got things done and could be firm when the need was there. He was understanding and a loving person, look how all the kids turned out and no wonder you and Aunt Sue made such a great couple, your kindness and love touched so many people.



Death can be a time of saddness but to me it's a time for rejoicing, for you are now with our wonderful and gracious savior where peace will be forever.



Love to you all,

Toni(Knutson-Johnson) and family

Love from your grandson,

James Michael Garthe

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Chuck and Sue Morgan

Coming now to pay respects and a salute of farewell to Don, we offer our sympathy, prayers and remembrances to Sue and all the family. Our 15 years as neighbors "across the street" on East Ninth bring fond recollections of music, laughter, great summer neighborhood get-togethers in the Garthe house and garage. Fine, caring people leading a good life, and enriching ours. We thank you and pray now that God bless, comfort and be near to each of you.

To the Garthe family especially Norma, Robbie, and "Pete"--You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad. He must have been a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sue and Family,

We have memories, from over 50 years ago, when you lived in Northport. Mom and Dad (Warren and Dorothy Stowe) send their thoughts and prayers.

Sue, Len&Robbie and the whole family our most sincere sympathy to all of you. We have missed you in Florida for the winters. Our prayers are for all of you

Sue and family: I am sorry about the death of Don. He was a most wonderful person and a great family man. I have great memories of him playing with the Harry Hibbard Band. We will miss his twinkle and his wry sense of humor. My best to you and the family.

A sad "farewell and Godspeed" to a great, funny guy.



From a fellow musician and Elks golfer

Peter Joe,



I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He sounds like a very special man. He touched many peoples lives, just as you have.



With my sympathy,

Mark Doherty

Traverse City Central '79

My first memories of fine Dixieland Jazz was playing in the band with Don on bass, Dad on saxaphone, Max Wysong on piano, and me doing my darndest to keep up. Wonderful times. I also remember a cousin who always had a wonderful smile and a kind way with the young people. A great story teller. I'm sure the big band leader has found a place for the man I always called Uncle Don.

I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the entire family at this most difficult time. You are all in my prayers.

Bill

Aunt Sue and Family

I would like to extend my condolences. Your loss is a great one for Uncle Don was a great man. AS a child I will never forget the many times he played heads and tails with me only to let me win and keep the nickels. And I can also tell you how important I felt sitting next to Uncle Don while the adults played cards knowing that children were not allowed at the card table but Uncle Don always found room for me next to him. I will miss him but I will cherish the memories.

All my love to you and your family...Jean

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Peter Joe and Family,

I am a former TC Trojan basketball player, so I had the opportunity to get to know Peter Joe for many years. I want you and your family to know how deeply sorry I am for your loss.



Sincerely,



Sara Dennis-Parker

We really enjoyed knowing you, Don, and listening to your greaat music. We used to follow the band around town so we could dance.We're sure there's a band where you've gone. Fare thee well, old friend.

It's so hard to know what to say, but I am so sorry for your loss. Don was so charming, witty and fun loving (not to mention handsome). Some of my fondest childhood memories are of "Uncle" Don, "Aunt" Sue and our "cousins"..and when you would come out to Northport for a day of swimming. You know you both were always very dear to my parents. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

With much love, Susan