Donald Howard Tarr

Donald Howard Tarr, age 64, died suddenly and unexpectedly on September 3, 2025, in Gaylord, Michigan. Don was born on January 2, 1961, in Royal Oak, Michigan, the son of the late Otis Leroy Tarr and the late Sophia (Dudek) Tarr.

Don was the beloved brother of Gary (Judy) Tarr, and Girard (the late Christine) Tarr. He was a cherished uncle to Keri, Sharla, Jesse (Allison), Teddy (Taylor), Marty (Aylin), and a doting great-uncle to Ethan and Olivia.

Don recently retired to the family cabin in the Gaylord area after his 44-year career at Modernistic in Troy. He was trusted with servicing the company's largest and most valued accounts. He admirably balanced a lifelong personal and professional relationship with company ownership and played a major role in growing the company from a small local office to a large state-wide firm. Don took pride in what they accomplished together and valued his role in the Modernistic family.

Don loved being with people and was rarely absent from any family event. He had many lifelong friends in both Southeastern and Northern Michigan. Don provided patient and consistent care for both his mother and father as they aged. He was a very close brother as well. Don cherished countless snowmobile rides with Gary and many ski trips with Girard and his nephews. He was also a great companion to many household pets over the years. His love for others was clearly validated by his steady and consistent presence.

Although Donnie was born and raised in Southeastern Michigan, his roots in Northern Michigan go deep. During his teenage years, he helped his family build their cabin the the Gaylord area and created a second community of friendships that lasted throughout his life. Don enjoyed spending time with people outdoors. In addition to snow-sports, he also enjoyed fishing, boating, baseball games, and even harvesting masses of firewood for wintertime heat. He was a hard worker and a loyal employee. He was a friend for life, and the gold standard for a son, brother, and uncle. He often acknowledged the best in people with subtle elegance. He will be greatly loved and missed.

Please share your stories and memories of Don in the "Share a Memory" section. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services, Gaylord, Michigan. www.CarebyNelsons.com