Donald J. Spychalski "Don"

Donald “Don” J. Spychalski, 97, entered eternal life from his home in Bay City, MI, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. He died as he lived, independent and tenacious. Don was a kind soul, caring and passionate, and therefore well-respected and loved by many family and friends. The youngest of seven, Don was born May 7, 1928, to Peter J. Spychalski, Sr., and Blanche Grayek Spychalski in Bay City, MI. He left school to support his family. He worked as a janitor and groundskeeper for Delta College, as a mechanic for Newcor, and in upholstery repair first for Gerhard and Gail Klemm and then for Prime Brothers Furniture. Don met his wife Evelyn “Evie” R. Spychalski and they were married on June 21, 1952, at Zion Lutheran Church. They were married for 66 years until Evie’s passing in 2018. Don was devoted to Evie and cared for her deeply, serving as her caretaker in her last years.

They had two daughters, Gail and Lisa. They traveled extensively in their golden years with Sunshine Senior Tours. Don has enjoyed a pleasant life, doing word searches and puzzles, and he found plenty of small projects to keep himself busy. At the age of 96, he obtained a patent for his innovative design of the “Walker Kaddy”, which helped him maintain independence even while using his walker. He enjoyed listening to classical music, watching the news or sports (he never missed an episode of Jeopardy!), or simply sitting on the porch in nice weather, all of these often culminating in a siesta.

Don is preceded in death by his wife, Evie; sister-in-law Esther Rusch; and his daughter Gail Spychalski Haiderer. He is survived by his granddaughters Elizabeth Haiderer (Adam Wolverton) and Rachel (Andrew) Strauss and his great-grandson Thomas; son-in-law Donald Haiderer; daughter Lisa Beyer, granddaughter Holly Uhl, and great-granddaughters Allona and Abbigail; nephews Joseph Spychalski, Gary Spychalski and Tom Rusch (Denise Maxwell); and niece Bethany Rusch (Kathy Prevost) and great-niece Katie. He is also survived by many wonderful neighbors and close friends who have been like family to him and for whom we are forever thankful.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Gephart Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Paul Kruse and Pastor Phillip Baerwolf. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are invited to make a memorial contribution to Safe Harbor Food Pantry or Zion Lutheran Church. For online condolences, visit www.GephartFuneralHome.com.