Donald Toland

Donald F. Toland came into this world, Jan. 15, 1929, in Sault Ste. Marie and joined his siblings and mother in Heaven on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. He was the fourth of six children born to Joseph and Gertrude (Casey) Toland. On April 15, 1950, he married Geraldine (Tish) France in the Sault and moved to Midland in 1951 after accepting a position as a Tin Smith with The Dow Chemical Co., where he was employed for 36 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his six children, Kathy (Ken) Terwillegar of Freeland, Dan (Leslie) Toland of Midland, Patty (Butch) Kowalski of Fort Mill, S.C., Laureen (Alan) Kelly of Amarillo, Texas, Joanne (Douglas) Rempp of Salina, Kan., Mary Beth (Roger) Klemkosky of Beaverton; and his sister, Mary (Al) Paradiso of Midland. He is also survived by Tish's sister, Maybelle France of Cheboygan; as well as 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and his "special" dog and cat, Buddy and Bye Bye.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, Ted, Bernard and Tom Toland; brother-in-law, Al Paradiso; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann La Bonte and Virginia Skinner; and his lifelong and very special friend, Bill Misze. He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Luke Howard.

Don was a "consummate" skilled trades guy who could fix and repair anything, even building the house he and his wife raised their family in. He was happiest spending time with his children and grandchildren, or taking frequent trips a year with his fiend Bill to his beloved hunting camp in the Upper Peninsula. He and Tish were founding members of Blessed Sacrament Church and until a few years ago, he was extremely active in the Knights of Columbus, serving as a grand knight for a number of years. He also bowled in the Four Roses League.

The funeral Liturgy for Don will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Fr. Jack Johnson and Fr. Kevin Maksym concelebrating Mass. Don's family will receive friends at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St. on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. A vigil for the deceased will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Those planning and expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Jude's or Teen Challenge of Saginaw or the Humane Society of Midland County.

Don's family would like to thank MidMichigan Hospice, especially Rhonda Chritz and Carol for their caring, comfort and compassion during Don's final days.