Donald Allan Echtinaw

Mr. Donald Allan Echtinaw age 82 of Grant, MI., passed away unexpectedly into the arms of the Lord on January 11th, 2022. 

He was born to John and Kathryn Echtinaw (DeHudy) on October 9th, 1939 in Muskegon, MI., and graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1958.  He later married the love of his life Helen Marie Rey on November 2nd, shortly after leaving the military. 

Upon completion of High School, Don entered the U.S. Army, and served under the 82nd airborne Battalion until he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1965.  He returned home to begin an active career from many years at Challenge Industries before transitioning to his career as an engineer at Meridian Incorporated/Herman Miller until his retirement on September 20th, 2001.  

Don loved to camp with family and in his younger years loved snowmobiling and especially looked forward to his yearly four wheeler trip.  Don was a wise man and many seeked his advise, particularly his three children and he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.  Above all else, Don’s most favorite and important hobby was his daily “Break Time” at the Seven Mile Inn where he enjoyed the company of many friends too numerous to mention.

Don is survived by his wife Helen of Grant, MI., his son Rick (Carol) Echtinaw of Grant, MI., his daughter Wendy Echtinaw of Fremont, MI., and his daughter Donna Sanders of Grant, MI.  His surviving Grandchildren are Brandi (Tyler) Cross of Newaygo, MI., Jay (Missy) Echtinaw of Grant, MI., Shandel Farmer of Illinois, Kristi (Joe) Cook of White Cloud, MI., Zach Ingersoll of Fremont, MI., Hailey Higgins (Ryan VanDam) of Grand Rapids, MI., Amanda Sanders (Bryan Jappenga) of Fruitport, MI., and Brandon Sanders of Grant, MI.  He is survived by Great Grandchildren Keairra, Addalyn, Kayleigh Jo, Brandon, Elijah, Elliott, Brooklyn, Austin, Averie and Haven.  He is also survived by two sisters Joan Cousineau of Grant, MI., and Barb Bolthouse of Apache Junction, AZ.  Don was preceded in death by his parents John and Kathryn , his brother John (Buddy) Echtinaw, his sister Ruth Ann Wright, and one grandson Chad Echtinaw. 

Per Don’s wishes, Cremation will take place and a memorial service will not be held.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Don will be sadly missed, but NEVER forgotten and those wishing to remember him can consider donating to a Veterans Fund/Charity or your local Sherriffs Department.     

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