Donald Peter Veeser, 86, of 8122 Garth Point Lane, Rapid River, passed away Wednesday morning September 20, 2017 at home following a lengthy illness.
Donald was born March 4, 1931 in Alpha, Michigan the son of William H. and Mary (Moore) Veeser. He was raised in Alpha where he was a 1947 graduate of Alpha High School. Following graduation, Don received his B.S. Degree from Northern Michigan University and continued his education at Michigan Tech University.
Don’s early career began as a math and science teacher at Powers-Spaulding and Escanaba High Schools. Many of his students remained in contact with him and often invited him to class reunions where they shared humorous stories about his classroom antics.
Don later worked for the Michigan Department of Environmental Health. He served as a Chief Sanitarian in the Northern Peninsula Office of the Michigan Department of Public Health. He was recognized for his many outstanding contributions made toward the field of environmental health and his approach to working with people, problem solving, and efforts to improve local and state environmental health programs. In recognition of his demonstrated ability, in 1979 he received the LaRue L. Miller Sanitarian of the Year Award from the Michigan Environmental Health Association.
Don took early State retirement to enjoy nature, the environment and the land he loved and protected during his career. He enjoyed his retirement years with his companion and soul mate, Pauline. Together, they would hunt, fish, and spend as much time as possible outdoors at their cabins in Crystal Falls and Perkins. They enjoyed working together on building and development projects in the Rapid River area. He was a member of All Saints Parish in Gladstone.
Don married Pauline (Stearns) Peterson in 1982 and became a father to her children Douglas (Judith Thirlby) Peterson of Ensign, Vickie (Gary) Micheau of Gladstone and Dr. Cheryl (Michael) Davison of Yakima, Washington, and then a beloved grandfather of Robert (Meghan) Micheau and Angie Micheau and great-grandfather to Bobby Micheau and Vivienne Lewandowski.
In addition to Pauline and Don’s family, sons, Donald Veeser and Christopher (Lori) Veeser, and daughters, Mary (Art) Kossow, Sr. and Melissa Veeser, and ten grandchildren also survive him along with a brother, Neil Veeser, of Caspian, MI.
His parents, his brothers, William and Gary, preceded Donald in death.
Don’s family will receive friends on Friday September 29, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 5:30 pm at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Church Parish Hall. Burial will be in the Rapid River Cemetery.
Barbara and Hal Thinglum - Midlothian , VA
We were saddened to hear of Don”s passing. It was always a pleasure having a good conversation with him. We’ll remember him for being a truly nice person with a comforting laugh.
Les Ada Ruohomaki - Gladstone, Mi
So sorry for your loss.
Mark Weber - Gladstone, Mi
Many times we wait until a friend has passed before we express what a wonderful person they were, and I am just as guilty as the next person about that. I first met Don in 1972 when I was a young man hitch hiking home from college. Don stopped and offered me a ride and even bought me lunch that day. During the three hour road trip we talked about many things and I quickly determined Don was a kind and caring person who loved the outdoors. I thanked Don for the ride and while shaking his hand, I wondered if I would ever see him again. Three years later I had the good fortune of working under Don at the Michigan Department Of Public Health. He was a tremendous mentor in developing my professional career. I learned a lot from Don but nothing more important than treating people with kindness and consideration. Don had a very positive impact on my professional and personal life and I will forever be grateful. Rest in peace my friend….love, Mark Weber