William L. Donathan, 85, of Fife Lake, died May 17, 1998, at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center.
Mr. Donathan spent his early years in Kalkaska County, and moved to River Rouge in 1936. He returned to Fife Lake in 1974, following his retirement from Great Lakes Steel Corporation where he had been employed for 36 years. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, reading, gardening, cross country skiing, and many other outdoor activities.
Mr. Donathan was born in Kalkaska County Dec 3, 1912, to Moses and Martha purnel Donathan. On Nov 13, 1937, in Hannah, he married Madonna Bodrie who survives.
Besides his wife, he is survived by sons William (Barbara) Donathan Jr of river Rouge, Christopher (Renee) Donathan of Sterling Heights, and Daniel (Teresa) Donathan of Kalkaska; daughters Ann Franklin of Columbus, Marilyn (Raymond) Hamel of Little Lake, Kathleen (Daniel) Hayden of Troy, Martha (Steve) Burke of River Rouge, Elizabeth (Jerry) Cannon of Fife Lake, and Jane (John) Babrick of South Boardman; 39 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
A daughter Mary, son in law Everett Franklin and grandsons Mark Hamel and Everette Franklin; four brothers and five sisters preceded him in death.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am May 21 at St Aloysius Catholic Church in Fife Lake. Father James Holtz will officiate. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery.
Friends may call at Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 pm Wednesday. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 pm.
Memorial gifts may be made to Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Long Term Care or St. Aloysius Catholic Church.
