"Don Bell, 86, Mackinaw City, died Tuesday Jan. 6, 2009 at Sarasota (Fla.) Memorial Hospital.
"Don was born in Cheboygan July 19, 1922, the son of Ross and Martha (Rauhut) Bell. He attended Cheboygan schools and graduated from Cheboygan High School. He married Maxine VanWagoner [Maxine Lucille (Van Wagoner) Bell] Dec. 11, 1943. In 1949, the Bells moved to Mackinaw City, where they owned and operate Bell's Fishery. Maxine preceded Don in death Aug. 3, 1985. In May of 1990, Don married [his second wife]. Shortly thereafter, Don retired from the fish business."
"Don was very active in the promotion of Mackinaw City. He was head of the committee that joined the Methodist and Presbyterian churches and served as chairman of the committee to build what is now known as the Church of the Straits. He was one of the organizers of the Mackinaw City Lions Club. He and his best friend Merrite Cole were organizers of the Mackinaw City Snowmobile Club and saw it grow from a building now known as the Mackinaw Senior Center to buying the old airport and using the hanger for meetings and fundraisers. Many area people will remember their breakfasts and fish fries. Don could sell raffle tickets for anything and was always willing to help when it came to a good cause. He will be truly missed by many in both Mackinaw City and Cheboygan.
"He is survived by his wife; one son; a daughter; stepson; stepdaughter; grandchildren; stepgrandchildren; great grandchildren; and two sisters, Pauline Stratton of Livonia and Betty Reid of Burt Lake.
"Don was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Maxine; and brothers Stuart and Robert Bell.
"Visitation was held on Sunday at the Nordman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held today at the Church of the Straits in Mackinaw City at 11 a.m. ... Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in the spring."