Donald J. Kothe

Donald J. Kothe, 88, of Sebewaing, passed away on December 18, 2015, at Bay Medical Care Facility in Essexville.

Don was born in Sebewaing on April 20, 1927, the youngest of nine children born to Fred and Nellie (Reed) Kothe.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945, during his senior year in high school at the age of 17. He served his country honorably in both World War II and the Korean War. Upon discharge from the Navy, Don finished his education and graduated from Sebewaing High School in 1953.

On April 23, 1949, he was united in marriage to Genevieve Stapleton of Caro at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Together they shared 49 years of marriage prior to Genevieve's passing in 1998.

In 1955, Don and Genevieve opened their business, Kothe Plumbing & Heating, and Don worked as a master plumber for over 50 years, serving the Sebewaing community as well as the Thumb area.

In addition to enjoying his lifelong work as a plumber, Don also loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed countless hours of fishing on Saginaw Bay, as well as many trips to Lake Michigan, Canada and Ft. Meyers Beach, FL.

He also loved deer hunting and spent his last season hunting in 2014 at the age of 87.

Upon his first wife, Jeni's passing, Don was one of the fortunate few who found a second love of his life when he met Anna (Leiterman) Adams. They were married on June 2, 2001 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Gagetown and spent 14 wonderful years together.

Don was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church (Our Lady Consolada). He was also an active member of the Sebewaing American Legion Post 293 for over 65 years as well as a member of the Sebewaing VFW.

Left to cherish Don's memory are his wife, Anna, a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Timothy Reynolds of Midlothian, VA, 4 loving grandchildren, Nickolas (and fiancé Elizabeth Emmons) Reynolds of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Ryan (Ashley) Reynolds of Raleigh, NC, Courtney (Jeff) Vlk of Virginia Beach, VA., and Donald J. (Marlana) Kothe II of Sebewaing, as well as one beloved great-granddaughter, Marley Kothe and one sister, Betty Taylor of Sebewaing.

Don is also survived by his loving step-daughter, Esther Chernavage as well as step son-in-laws, Joe Chernavage of Essexville and Harold Avery, Sr. of Caro, who were always there to help in countless ways.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Karen and his son, Patrick D. Kothe, his wife, Genevieve and siblings, Dorothy, Eva, Mabel, Veneta, Ethel, Eldine and William.

Visitation will be on Monday, December 21, 2015, at Juengel & Mellendorf Funeral Home in Sebewaing from 3-8pm.

The funeral service will be on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at Our Lady of Consolada Catholic Church (Holy Family Parish) in Sebewaing. Visitation will begin at 10am until the time of service at 11am.

Burial service and military service will take place at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Sebewaing.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 293 or the charity of your choice.