Donald St. Germaine

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died June 14, 2023

Gladstone, MI

 

Donald Peter St. Germaine, age 72, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully surrounded by family following a short battle of mantle cell lymphoma on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay.

 

Don was born February 8, 1951, in Detroit, MI, the son of Ruth (Thompson) and Bernard St. Germaine. He attended and graduated from Lakeshore High School in St. Clair Shores in 1969. He continued his education at Wayne State University and graduated from Northern Michigan University where he obtained his Bachelor’s in Finance.

 

Don’s career in banking expanded over 49 years. While in school he was employed at St. Clair Shores National Bank, following in his father’s footsteps. He worked there for ten years and then relocated to the UP and continued his career at First National Bank in Marquette. He then furthered his banking path on a federal level as a National Bank Examiner for the Comptroller of the Currency under the Treasury Department. Following this, Don became the President of Baybank in 1997 for 19 years.

 

Don was the President of the Michigan Bankers Association from June of 2015 until 2016. He was also President of the Delta Animal Shelter for 14 years as well as their Treasurer. He recently received the humanitarian award of the year from the team at the Shelter. Don was a past member of the Gladstone Lions Club and served as Treasurer.

 

Don and his wife, Patty have been members of the Terrace Bluff Golf Course for 25 years where they enjoyed playing league. He also enjoyed shooting pool, bowling, and spending time at his cabin on Crooked Lake. He cherished his annual beer camp weekend with his longtime friends for over 40 years. Don had a passion for classic cars. This led to building model cars and enjoying his Corvette. He was also a prior avid long-distance biker. He liked oldies music and loved live concerts. He particularly loved Van Morrison, so think of him when you hear his music.

 

In addition to his loving wife, Patty

He is survived by:

Sons: Matthew (Chris Howell) St. Germaine of Boone, NC

Jason (Zulema) St. Germaine of Jacksonville, FL

Daughter: Megan (Diana) St. Germaine of Denver, CO

Brother: John St. Germaine of St. Clair Shores, MI

Grandchildren: Juliet, Isabel, Abigail and Nico

And fur babies: Rocky and Angel

 

In addition to his Parents Don is preceded in death by, Brother, Jim and Mother of their Children, Laura Shudra.

 

Family will receive friends on Thursday, June 22 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM and immediately following a celebration of Don’s life will take place at the Terrace Bluff Golf Course Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Delta Animal Shelter, 6975 County Road, 426 M 5, Escanaba, MI 49829. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the St. Germaine family.

13 Tributes for “Donald St. Germaine”

    I worked for Don and Baybank for about 7 years. My last year spent there was when I grew to know him on a more personal level. I made a lateral move to the loan department, and it was there that Don took me under his wing to shed some financial knowledge to further advance my career. I spent many hours in his office talking financial things, that would end up in conversations about baseball or golf. He challenged everyone to be better and that was something I admired; along with his love for bank food days and love for animals. In the time I knew him, he made a significant impact in the Delta County and surrounding communities. It was a pleasure knowing him and he will be missed by many. Rest in peace Mr. St. Germaine.

    Patty and family- So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I will always remember him when I hear Van Morrison because of him playing his music while we played pool in the basement and on pool league nights. Thoughts and prayers with you all at this time.

    As a former Board Member of the Delta Animal Shelter, I saw how involved Don became about this wonderful non profit. Don showed strong financial guidance and wonderful common sense. I also knew Don from his position at Baybank. He was always very accessible and made the time to talk about any project – big or small. Don touched so many in this community and Jacquie and I pray for him and the family.

    Matt, Jason, and Megan:

    My favorite memory of your dad is when he took Jason, Steve, and me to see Aliens. His running commentary throughout the movie had us in stitches.

    Peace and strength, my friends.

    Patty,
    Please accept my deepest sympathies with the passing of your Husband, Don and know that you’re in my thoughts during this difficult time. There are no words that can express my deepest regrets over the loss of your husband. I pray his memory will bring you peace and comfort over the coming months.

    Jeanne Jones

    We are very sorry for your loss. We met Don through his brother John and the Hoban Family at the annual 4th of July events. It was always fun when he participated in the bowling activity! Always friendly and easy to talk to. May Don Rest in Peace and may all of your memories help to bring you comfort. With our sympathy.

    While working in the loan department at Baybank; my main responsibility were the fixed rate loans with Freddie Mac. It required everything from locking in loans, to funding, to closing & finally reporting them to Freddie Mac. My Chiropractor had recommended that I try & stand as much as possible during the day instead of sitting. After Don knew about this he had his drafting table moved into my office. Later he had measurements taken & a table made for me!

    I appreciated the way that he took the well being of his employees as important as their productivity.

    I was saddened to hear of his passing, but is in now at peace & I’m sure will be deeply missed by family & friends.

    Carol Lundberg

    So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing!! I knew Don from my UP banking days and always admired him as a person and banker. Don and his family are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

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