Donald Clarence Tardiff, age 78, of Gladstone passed away Friday evening, July 6, 2007 at his home.
Donald was born February 9, 1929 in Gladstone to Clarence and Mary Elizabeth (McCormick) Tardiff. He was a lifelong resident of Gladstone and worked for many years as a maintenance man for the Gladstone Public Schools. Donald was a long time member of All Saints Catholic Church. He served his country proudly with 28 years of military service which included the U.S Army Air Force, the Army Reserves and the Michigan Army National Guard from which he retired. He was also a member of the Rapid River American Legion Post 301. Donald enjoyed volunteering and was always willing to help others.
Donald is survived by:
2 Sons: James (Sally) Tardiff of Gladstone, William Tardiff of Rapid River
1 Daughter: Kathleen Tardiff of Escanaba
2 Granddaughters: Annie and Emily Tardiff
1 Brother: Robert (Maureen) Tardiff of Gladstone
4 Sisters: Audrey (Francis) Grenier of Escanaba, Mary Ellen (Charles) Alanko of Gladstone, Margaret Stevenson of Perkins, Barbara (Fred) Pfiester of Gladstone
Brother-In-Law: Dave Phalen of Gladstone
Sister-In-Law: Joanne Tardiff of Gladstone
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
He was preceded in death by:
Parents
3 Brothers: John, Richard and Raymond Tardiff
3 Sisters: Elaine Phalen, Beverly Maki, Kathleen Neadow
The Tardiff family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 11 from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented by the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 at 4:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6:00 PM at the All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Father Arnold Grambow officiating. A luncheon will be served at the church. Donald will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
Anonymous
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Beth Larson
Rock, MI
Kathy and James,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father.
Sincerely,
Karen Lorens
Skandia, MI
James & family:
Donny will be missed by a great deal of people, including myself. I have many many fond memories of him; stopping to see me once a week when I worked at the alternative school, riding together on various casino busses, but most of all, his always having a smile, a hug and a JOKE whenever I would see him. I am sorry for your loss. Please rely on each other and the wonderful memories for peace during this very difficult time.
Becki Hess
Gladstone, MI
So sorry to hear about the loss of Don. We were on the bus to the casino several times with him and he always had a couple of jokes to tell. He was a great person and will be missed by many.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jim & Abie LaLonde
Gladstone, MI
Dear Jim, Bill, and Kathy,
I worked with your Dad, Donald for quite a few years at the Rapid River Senior Center in Rapid River. In all our times together, your Dad always had a funny story and a helping hand to give. His family, especially his little Emily and Annie were his pride and joy. He will always be remebered by me and I’m sure our other Seniors as one of the most considerate and kind person one could ever wish to meet. I myself am proud and honored to have known him and call him my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Sincerely,
Gail Zierk
Rapid River, MI
Dear Jim and Sally, I offer my deepest sympathy at your loss. Donald was a great man, when we were kids it seemed like he could fix anything. He always had a smile on his face. Everyone at school loved “charlie” the janitor. He truly touched alot of people during his time on this earth…He will be missed..He did live a good long life. Jim my wife and I had previously made reservations for a vacation to door county.As a result I am not going to be able to make it to the funeral.I would love to be their to help celebrate Dons life…I will be thinking about you and the rest of your family…your friend
Tom Elegeert.
Gladstone, MI
We will miss Donald’s warm friendly greeting when we visit Maury & Bob next time. He always came across the street with a big smile on his face; great guy. May his family find comfort in fond memories of their brother; father; grandfather.
Karen & Dennis Weber
Knoxville, TN
Donny was a wonderful man who told great stories. He was a good volunteer with a big heart. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. He called us Christmas morning really early to tell us to have a Merry Christmas and tell us a joke! God Bless his family.
Sherry and Rick Nutt, Sr.
K.I. Sawyer, MI
Jim, Bill, and Kathy Im very sorry to hear about the loss of Don you probably dont know me but don always used to ride the casino bus and my parents and I always got a big kick out of don he was such a Great and caring person. He will never be forgotten!!
Our Sympathy is with you all
Carol, Pat, and Allan Pierron
Gladstone, MI
Jim, Bill and Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear the loss of your father. I have fond memories of your Dad and the times in the Buckeye. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gregg (Goetz) Browngoetz
Cordova, AK