Donald M. Dubois

Don passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Vicinia Gardens in Otsego.

He was born July 9, 1931 in Lakeview, the son of John and Edith (Mosher) DuBois. Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. For many years he worked as a press operator for General Motors until his retirement in 1995. Don enjoyed fishing, golfing and watching the Tigers play on TV. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Otsego. On December 28, 1957 in Lakeview he married Isabella “Bella” Axam who survives.

Also surviving are his daughters, Kim (Wayne) Rayburn, Tracey (Rick) Hurdelbrink and Julie (Mike) Smith; grandchildren, Cari (Brent) Milhiem, Kellie (Paul) Lemmer, Whitney Reed, Abbie (Brad) Lietzke, Jessica (Jacob) Lewis, Jennifer (Tim) Lieber, Ethan and Evan Hermenitt; 9 great-grandchildren; special sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Woodstock and niece, Laura Riddell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John DuBois and Edith Grigsby; infant son, John and step-siblings, Robert Fergusson, Jack Fergusson and Jo Bunker.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place.

Friends may visit with Don’s family starting at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the First Congregational Church of Otsego, until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor Bruce VanderKolk officiating.

Contributions in memory of Don may be made to the First Congregational Church of Otsego.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

.

Offer Condolence for the family of Donald M. DuBois

Condolence Messages

Jan Myers-Carpenter

June 26, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Bella and family. I am so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a kind hearted good man. I will always

remember him riding to GM with Larry and how fond Larry was of him and his soft spoken way. Rest in

Peace Don. You will be missed.

Jan Myers-Carpenter

Reply

Sherri Giggy

June 26, 2021 at 4:18 pm

Julie and Mike,

We are so very sorry for your loss. Julie Kay, hold tight to your memories of your dad. Remember the good times you had together. They will bring you comfort and joy.

Much love to you both,

Sherri and Terry Giggy

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Dought leffring

June 26, 2021 at 5:33 pm

Kim , so sorry for you & your family’s loss.

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Sarah Clemens

June 26, 2021 at 5:42 pm

Bella and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May loving memories help to bring you comfort and peace and may each kind word or thoughtful gesture remind you of the blessings Don brought to so many who knew him!

Love and Many Hugs,

Sarah Volker-Clemens and Family

Reply

Lynn & Duane Bronkema

June 26, 2021 at 7:02 pm

Dear Bella and Family

So, So Sorry to hear of the passing of Don . He was a very kind Man , always with a Happy Smile and was a Joy to talk to. Just know that Don is now at Peace . Wishing comfort to you and your family ! Hugs !!!

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Carl wood

June 27, 2021 at 5:53 am

Don was A great person to know, and A great friend .

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Kathi Fuss

June 27, 2021 at 1:36 pm

Sending hugs and prayers to all of you in this trying time. Larry and Don had some interesting experiences. RIP, Don❤️

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Paul Warren

June 27, 2021 at 3:12 pm

To Uncle Don,

I will always have fond memories of you staying with my Nan “Dolly” your sister in law in the UK and your love of the English pub and the county of Somerset and the long walks you loved around the town of Minehead.

I have made sure I have raised a glass this week to your memory. Rest in Peace.

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Nancy Ackley

June 27, 2021 at 11:44 pm

Bell& family. So sorry to hear of Donnie passing , have many fond memories of the two of you. Many prayers being sent to you and your loved ones. Love Nancy Ackley ( Ferguson)

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Nora

June 28, 2021 at 9:46 am

Don was such a wonderful man, thank you for the pleasure in knowing him. He was very much loved and I am so sorry for all of your loss. All my love, prayers, and condolences.

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Gretchen Ozerities

June 28, 2021 at 11:12 am

Bella, Tracey, Kim and Julie-

Our big hugs being sent to each of you! We have fond memories fro Brookside Drive and beyond. Your Dad was always kind, shared a smile and welcomed us with happiness at every visit.

May every cardinal you see, every bright star you look up to remind you he’s close by.

Love and hugs,

Gretchen and Henry

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Don & Sherri Ferguson

June 28, 2021 at 1:14 pm

Bella and Family,

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

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Alexiss Simmons

June 29, 2021 at 12:07 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad/grandpa was a great man a true sweetheart. Everyone at Vinicia loved him

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Mike Warren

June 29, 2021 at 4:37 pm

Very sorry to hear of my uncle Don’s passing, fond memories going back to 1961 when as a 13 year old boy from the UK along with my mother “Dolly” (Bella’s sister) stayed with Bella, Don and Kim for 3 months..

During this visit Don spent lots of time with me ,introducing me into playing Baseball even getting me into local junior league team (Otsego TV) also many memorable fishing trips to Gun lake. Since those days Bella, Don and family visited the UK many times, a country Don loved .

Sadly missed RIP Don.

,

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Jackie friar

June 30, 2021 at 4:46 pm

Bella and family

So sorry to hear of dons passing. Cherish all the good memories that you have.

Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Love you

Jackie friar (Ferguson)

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Patti Finnegan

July 1, 2021 at 9:15 am

Dear Bella,Kim,Tracey,and Julie,

I know you’ re hurting right now,but with time it will get better. Don was a wonderful neighbor. After Joe died he watched out for me which I very much appreciated. Have many fond memories of his many kindness to me.

Love and Prayers,

Patti

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Vic Warren

July 4, 2021 at 11:17 am

Dear Bella, Kim, Tracey Julie and your families.

Having spoken with you just before Don’s parting I thought I’d wait ’til nearer the Memorial Service before sharing my message of condolences here. In his message, my brother Mike referred to the happy memories he has of staying with Bella, Don and Kim in Otsego when he was just 13. Being 7 years his senior my memories tend to go back to post war years here in the UK when Bella spent most weekends at our family home in Dagenham..

Not long before emigrating to Canada , she met Don at the Lycium Dance Hall in London. Once settled in Windsor they began seeing each other. I remember her sending photo’s of Don looking quiet handsome, posed with a shotgun against his large sleek American car. After their marriage I recall how impressed we all were that he was building his own house. Like Mike, I also came over and stayed with Bella, Don and Kim in Brookside Drive. Don made me very welcome.

During my stay I helped with laying a tiled floor in the basement. We sunk a few beers, exchanged a few laughs and frustrations when things didn’t quite work out according to plan. I also met Don’s half brother Bob Ferguson and family. They lived next door and introduced me to Pizza,, which was just then becoming popular. Don also took great delight in taking me to a ‘Burger Shack’ just along the main highway. Their Burgers were to kill for, but I was less enthusiastic when it came to Root Beer.

As Mike mentioned Don really had a love for England. In particular he loved Somerset and often said it was the one place where he felt he could live outside of Michigan. He developed a real taste for local food and English beer. One day I took him to London with the sole intention of introducing him a really strong beer and getting him drunk. The response to his first sip was simply “Wow”. After 3 pints I knew that I’d reached my limit . Don however , was up for more. Sometime later, he walked and I staggered back towards home.

Apart from many happy the memories the one thing I’d like to express was his love for Bella. I don’t think there was ever a time that during his trips over here he wouldn’t, at some point, tell me how he’d never survive without her. Fortunately he never had too. Which I think is a nice point to end on.

With all our love

Vic Sandra, Ian and Mandy

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Gail

July 20, 2022 at 4:44 am

Omgoodness itsGail Bunker

I haven’t stopped crying since seeing uncle dons name and date memorial day .I was in the cemetery.

So disappointed I missed the service.im struggling to see exactly what I’m writing, last time I seen him was St Patty’s day. I was waiting tables at Mcgonagles.Uncle don and the boys in the back of the house having corned beef, beer and alot of laughs.

Aunt Bella was with her girlfriends and remember, I couldn’t wait to tell you how uncle don ALWAYS would make it clear how devoted he was to you and girls. He absolutely had me gushing over his warm and handsome(grandpa was my best friend) handsome ran in the family!

I can’t see thru my tear soaked glasses but all you girls know your in my thoughts and prayers. Julie,Tracey,Kim and Aunt Bella

Ily R.IP uNcle Don. Love miss Gail Bunker

Reply

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