LAKE GOGEBIC, Mich. - David L. VanDonsel, 70, of Lake Gogebic, formerly a longtime resident of Green Bay, Wis., passed away early Thursday morning, Oct. 22, 2015, after a short, but very courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and his beloved companion, Daisy.
Dave was born on Dec. 27, 1944, in Green Bay, a son of Cyril "Bud" and Marcella (Micksch) VanDonsel. He attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School and was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy. Dave attended Preble High School and graduated in 1963.
He worked for many years at Pauly Cheese. Dave concluded his working career at Curative Rehabilitation/Sheltered Industries and retired in 2002.
On Feb. 26, 2001, during a national bowling competition break in Reno, Nev., wedding bells rang at Park Chapel for Dave VanDonsel and Carol Gauthier, who were just taking a walk. They made their home in Green Bay, until relocating to beautiful Lake Gogebic, where the walleye and perch feared for their lives.
Dave was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bergland, where he enjoyed teasing Pastor Ted Trudgeon and making new friends. Dave loved hunting and fishing and bowling was his passion. He took pleasure in scoring two perfect games (300) in his lifetime and was very proud of his accomplishments. Dave was inducted into the Bowlers Hall of Fame in 1990.
Dave is survived by his devoted wife, Carol; three daughters, Nicole (Jonathan) Becker, Ann (Craig) Wery and Kathryn (Scott) Kremer; nine grandchildren, Devan, Mikayla (fiancé, Justin Hoffman), Nathan Doherty, Emily Kennelly, Peyton and Addison Wery, and Ariana, Madeline and Ethan Kremer; two stepgrandchildren, Elliott and Lainey Becker; his former wife and mother of his children, Vicki Engel; three sisters, Diane (Marty) VandenHeuvel, Gail Richardson and Mary (Bob) VanOss; his sister-in-law, Lona (Dave) Gregorich; five Gauthier brothers-in-law, Neil, Ron (Marilyn), Allen (Berdie), Jeri (Sandy) and Terry (Denise); numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cyril, on Jan. 18, 1986; his mother, Marcella, on Oct. 22, 2007; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Xavier and Gladys Gauthier. Dave's family is comforted to know that his family in Heaven has welcomed him home to eternal life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m., preceded by memorial visitation at noon, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 710 N. Baird St., Green Bay, with the Rev. Anthony Cirignani, celebrant.
A celebration of his life will be held at Lake Gogebic at a later date with the Rev. Ted Trudgeon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Pastor Ted Trudgeon, Home Medical, Regional Hospice and our dear neighbors, especially Ed and Jody Allen.
Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made to lakesidememorialchapel.com.
Dave was a wonderful, kind husband, father and grandpa, and will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, we love you.