Donald Joseph Walther, 79, of Gaylord, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017, in his home, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Walther was born in Bay City on February 14, 1938, and had been a resident of Gaylord the past 50 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a retired Staff Sergeant with Camp Grayling. In addition, he spent many years in commercial and residential construction.
He had a passion for NASCAR and also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Martina; his children, Tina (Cameron) Brooks, William Walther and Patricia (Scott) Wilcox; grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremy, Jesse, Steven, Ashley and Amelia; great grandchildren, Gaige, Aurora, Justin, Brysen, Haylee, Lennon, Finley and Annabella and brothers, Frank DeLano, Charles Liss and Edward Halase.
He was preceded in death by his brothers William DeLano and David Bell.
FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 3:00 PM from the Nelson Funeral Home, Rev. Joe Sereno, officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at Hallock Cemetery in Elmira.
Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2017 from 2:00 PM until the time of services.
Contributions in memory of Donald Walther may be made to Hospice of Michigan.
7 comments on “Walther, Donald”
I will always love and miss him dearly. He will be in my thoughts every time I grab a wrench or hammer, every time I head to the woods for a hunt, and every time I go to the lake. He was my favorite person in the world. I wish life would have allowed me to spend more time with him the last few years. You may be gone but will never be forgotten Grandpa. Rest in peace.
Dear Martina and family, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. You are all in my prayers that God will be with be with you at this most difficult time. Hallock Cemetery is a beautiful place to be laid to rest, my cousin Larry and his infant daughter are there. God Bless you all.
DEAR MARTINA AND FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DON`S PASSING. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS, HOLD GOD`S HAND THROUGH THIS AND HE WILL LIGHTEN YOUR BURDEN. OUR HEART GOES OUT TO YOU ALL.
He was always one of my favorite people. I would get excited at the thought of visiting the two of you and count down the days until my arrival. His stubbornness was always comical, and in my eyes, a redeeming quality of his. There wasn’t ever a visit to Michigan where I didn’t have the best time with you and Grandpa. The shotgun he gave me always sits as a stoic reminder of the quality of man he was. Tougher than nails but with a gentle touch. I always felt safe when he hugged me and knew there was nothing but love behind it. I love you all more than ever. I so wish I could have been there today for you and the rest of the family.
Mom told me a story about how Grandpa saved my life. I was really young and we were in Michigan with you guys. I was choking on something small and Grandpa was able to jump in right away to help. It was during his National Guard time and was even awarded for saving me. I have been able to spend more time on this earth because of him. I will always be thankful for that. I love you all so much! I wish I wasn’t so far away, I will always miss him!
Dear Martina and family, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. May God comfort you at this time of great loss.
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I served with Don in the Guard, He was a good NCO and a fine human being I had a ton of respect for him. RIP