Donald Ernest Berquist

LAKE GOGEBIC, Mich. - On June 27, 2021, veteran Donald Ernest Berquist met with the angels in heaven.

Don "Big Don" lived on Lake Gogebic and was the owner of Gogebic Lodge since 1981.

Don was born in Chicago. He earned his bachelor of engineering degree from University of Arizona and master's degree of business administration from Loyola University.

Following college, Don joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve where he served as the commanding officer of the Great Lakes region for the next 25 years.

Don worked for General Motors, Electric Motive before moving to the Upper Peninsula. Don was passionate about building and growing tourism for the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan serving on various committees and boards throughout his lifetime.

He loved Lake Gogebic and snowmobiling and fishing and had a passion of life that matched no other! "Big D" loved life and people and making people laugh and have a good time!

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Evelyn; and his wife, Chris.

He is succeeded by his brother, Ken (Susan); children, Brian and Briget (Wayne); and four grandchildren, Maria, Austin, Skylar and Dalton.

The family has chosen to celebrate his life privately.

In lieu of gifts and flowers, donations can be made to the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce, to continue his passion to help Lake Gogebic thrive, at P.O. Box 114, Bergland, MI 49910.

Don's wishes were to be cremated, with a private service to be held with his family.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield is assisting the family with their arrangements.