Donald Frederick Deuling

Donald Frederick Deuling, age 82 of Fremont, passed away late Monday evening, July 24, 2023 at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.  He was born on February 13, 1941 in Fremont, Michigan to Frederick & Lucille (Kaiser) Deuling.  At 16 years of age Don began working on the Erickson farm in Fremont.  Following high school graduation, Don joined the US Navy Seabees. He then began his lifelong career as a crane operator for Erickson’s, Inc. and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 324 for over 60 years, as well as Iron Workers Local 340.  In retirement, he owned & operated Don’s Excavating.  Don enjoyed moose hunting in Canada in his younger days, and hunting mule deer & whitetail deer with his sons and grandsons, including hunting in Kansas thanks to the hospitality of Mark and Cindy Smith.  Don also enjoyed eating fish caught and cleaned by Joe Rupar.  He loved being outdoors, taking truck rides to survey his land and looking for deer, and in his later years cruising on his golf cart to visit his lake neighbors and check on nature.  Don was a member of St Michael Catholic Church in Brunswick, All Saints Catholic Church in Fremont, and St Bartholomew Catholic Church in Newaygo.  On January 14, 1961 he married Arlene F. Boike and built a home in Holton.  Arlene preceded him in death on July 26, 1985.  Don was also preceded in death by his daughter, Diane Williams; grandson, Derek Williams; parents; and by his brother and best friend, Allen Deuling.  He is survived by 3 children:  Donald M. (Susan) Deuling, Doreen (Thomas) Kelly, Dane (Terri) Deuling; 8 grandchildren:  Christine (Ryan) Burke, Donald F. (Kaitlin) Deuling, Bridget Kelly, Lora Kelly, Emmett (Delaney) Kelly, Adam Deuling, Benjamin Deuling, & Samuel Deuling; 5-great grandchildren:  Ezekiel, Keziah, Donnie, Jaxon, & Autumn; sisters:  Barbara (the late Pat) Salisbury, Shirley (the late Ben) Bennett, Marlene Gilliland, Marjorie (Donald) Redder, Frances (Gary) Derks, Kay (Bill) Boike; sister-in-law, Ruth Deuling; and by many nieces & nephews.  He is also survived by beloved neighbors, Joe & Nancy Rupar, and special friend, Rose.  The family would like to thank Heavenly Guardian’s Senior Care Services in Fremont for providing wonderful and compassionate care for Don.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 31, 2023 at St Michael Catholic Church in Brunswick with Fr. Pete Schafer as Celebrant.  Interment will be in St Michael Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home from 5-7 PM on Sunday, and at the church from 10-11 AM on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to Wounded Warrior Project at Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 (click here for printable donation form) or https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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