Donald Henry Klingman

WATERSMEET, Mich. — Donald Henry Klingman, beloved son, loving father, caring brother and attentive grandfather passed on July 26, 2020. He was born July 17, 1953, in Milwaukee, to Alice Jean Poler May and Henry Adam Klingman.

Donald was a graduate from Watersmeet Township High School in 1971. He continued his education and his love of basketball at Soumi College. He went on to play the sport of baseball in the minor leagues as a well renowned pitcher, which he’s still known for. He lived it, played it, watched it and passed his ability and knowledge on to his children and grandchildren.

Following his sports career, he acquired many skills, such as, auto mechanics, welder, road construction, carpentry and heavy equipment. After several years of hard earned work, he retired as Lac Vieux Desert’s heavy equipment supervisor.

He was actively involved within the community by teaching his traditional beliefs, as an avid hunter, fisherman, and rice harvester. Being the proud man that he was, he served on the Voight Task Commission, and was a Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission member, advocating for hunting and fishing rights. It brought much joy and fulfillment to his life.

Although, with all that he did, his best accomplishment was being the “best papa” to his grandchildren and many other children that were actively in his life. He will be forever loved, but never forgotten.

Donald is survived by his seven children and his grandchildren: Shasta Klingman and her child, Asher Garrison; Vera Klingman and her children, Aysia Klingman and Mark Seymour; Samuel (Tracy Vanzile) Klingman and their child, Alyson Klingman; Kurt (Daisy McGeshick) Klingman and their children, Ethan, Katrina, Tyson and Cruz; Donna Klingman and her children, Avery, Destiny, Wynter and Dayveon; Thomas Olds and his child, Donavon Olds; and Jeremiah Antone and his children, Tyrell, Bryanna and Jerrett. He is further survived by his brothers, Henry Klingman, Howard Klingman and William Winkka; a sister, Cheryl McGeshick; and by many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by mother, Alice Jean Poler May; grandfather, Hank Poler Sr .; great-grandmother, Minnie Stier; grandmother, Lillian Anwash; aunt, Mabel “Poncho” Williams; uncle, Richard “Dick” Williams; and beloved nephew, Zachary McGeshick.

A private wake was held at Lac Vieux Desert on Tuesday, July 28.

The funeral was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, at the Lac Vieux Desert Recreation Center. Cremation will follow at a later date.

Cane Funeral Home in Bruce Crossing is assisting the family with arrangements.