Donald Garthe Obituary
Born March 19, 1918, into the Norwegian community in the village of Northport, he was the youngest son of Stanley and Nora (Hanson) Garthe.
Don was in the 1936 graduating class of Northport High School. In 1942, while serving in the U.S. Army at Aberdeen, Md., he married Suzanne Peplinski of Lake Leelanau. They made beautiful music together for the next 64 years.
During World War II, Don played sousaphone in the U.S. Army Band at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and moonlighted as a backup bass player for various jazz radio greats.
There was always a tale, usually funny, with Don around, and he was a master storyteller. He savored life, and enjoyed pausing with each person, and trying each side road along the way. He knew Leelanau County like the back of his hand, having started as a print setter for the "Northport Leader," and then working the Paul Garthe Frigidaire company routes.
Nights were the best, because he played music. What started as the Garthe Trio later became Harry Hibbard and the Riverboat Six. For 34 years, some of the finest jazz musicians in the region rotated into the band. Don played in the Rotary Show pit band for 31 years, and in various clubs over the years, standing at his big bass, nodding to friends, keeping smooth time. He was a life member of Elks Lodge No. 323, played golf at Elmbrook for 40 years, sang in the St. Francis Church choir, and enjoyed winters in Port Charlotte, Fla., for over 20 years.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers, Paul and Stanley, and his sisters, Margaret Knutson and Norma Karkau.
Along with his wife, Suzanne, and sister-in-law, Jorunn Garthe, he is survived by 14 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; daughters Norma (Joe) Drasiewski, Roberta (Leonard) Gross, Paulette (Grant) Parsons; and sons John, Donald "Pete" (Fran), and Peter Joe, who each night kissed Don on the forehead and said "I love you, Dad."
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, with a 7:30 p.m. Wake Service.
A Funeral Mass will offered at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 15, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Burial will take place at a later date in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
The family has suggested memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity.
Arrangements were made by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Shelley (Grueber) Duke
June 26, 2006
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.
Toni Johnson
June 17, 2006
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
Toni Johnson
June 16, 2006
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
James Garthe
June 15, 2006
Love from your grandson,
James Michael Garthe
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June 15, 2006
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Chuck and Sue Morgan
Elsie & Don Randall
June 15, 2006
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.
Joyce and Bill Swierbut & Cunningham
June 15, 2006
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.
Carol Stowe Kalchik
June 15, 2006
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.
Frank & Donna Lampe
June 14, 2006
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
Roger Dunigan
June 14, 2006
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.
Bob Crossley
June 14, 2006
A sad "farewell and Godspeed" to a great, funny guy.
From a fellow musician and Elks golfer
Mark Doherty
June 13, 2006
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
Jack Keyes
June 13, 2006
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.
William Rockwood
June 13, 2006
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the entire family at this most difficult time. You are all in my prayers.
Bill
Jean Alpers
June 13, 2006
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
Jill Protzel
June 13, 2006
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.
Sara Dennis-Parker
June 13, 2006
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
Richard and Ruth Haswell
June 13, 2006
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.
Susan Brown
June 13, 2006
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
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