Donald “Donny” Villeneuve, age 46, of 1012 Washington Avenue, Escanaba, died unexpectedly, Sunday May 22, 2005, in Ionia, MI, of an apparent heart attack while traveling with his family.Donny was born June 23, 1958, in Escanaba, the son of Milton and Lorraine (Trombley). He was raised in Escanaba and graduated from the Escanaba Senior High School. Following his years in school, Donny went to work for the Lipinski Beverage Company in Escanaba. On August 25, 1984, Donny married the former Sandy Thone at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Together the couple moved to the Peshtigo area where Donny went to work for the Kaufman Distributing Company out of Marinette. Donny and Sandy remained in Peshtigo for 8 years before eventually relocating back to Escanaba where they resided and raised their children. Over the years, Donny was employed at the Halron Oil Company and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and watching his sons play baseball. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Survivors include:
His wife Sandy Villeneuve of Escanaba
3 Sons: Cody Villeneuve of Escanaba, MI; Travis Villeneuve of Escanaba, MI; Neil Villeneuve of Grand Rapids, MI
1 Daughter: Bethany Villeneuve of Escanaba, MI
1 Brother: John (Carol) Villeneuve of Rapid River, MI
1 Sister: Judi (Jared) Richards of Detroit, MI
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Milton and Lorraine, Donny was preceded in death by 1 niece, Michelle Villeneuve.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3:00PM to 6:30PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Donald J. Villeneuve will follow visitation, at 6:30PM, at the funeral home, with Fr. Mike Steber of the St. Anne Catholic Church officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Bethany Lutheran Church fellowship hall in Escanaba. Committal will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Villeneuve family for a fund to be established in the future. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Villeneuve family with arrangements.
Anonymous
Judi,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I used to hang around with him when we were younger and he was such a sweetheart. Things happen so quickly and you cannot predict the future, I wish we could. Please take care, and I will keep you all in my prayers, we love you all.
Chuck and Mary Richards
Waynesville, MO
To all of Donny’s family, please accept my deepest sympathies. I grew up with him as a schoolmate at John Lemmer elementary. We were best friends in 6th grade, along with Bill White. We did everything together. I still have our 6th grade class picture. You should see the look on Donny’s face! It’s a combination of “I know something you don’t know” and “I hate Mrs. Krantz (our 6th grade teacher)”. I doubt anyone other than Bill White (Big Bill) and I (Little Bill) did as much with Donny in grade school. I still remember when Judi was expecting, and Donny bought her a little statue of that famous Greek dude sitting with his head resting on his fist with elbow on knee. It was the classic pose, except he was sitting on a toilet. It said, “Congratulations on your new position.” He thought it was appropriate because Judi was starting to pop out. Lorraine had a fit when he showed her what he bought! But he was so proud of himself. He meant so well, which was what his heart was all about. Although we hung around less in high school, we always remained good friends. There’s a flurry of e-mails going around among all of us friends expressing our disbelief and sorrow. I hope everyone knows what a great guy Donny was and what a lasting impression he made on all of us. I feel blessed to have had him among my friends. I wish I would have taken the time to visit when I was in town. I will miss him very much.
Bill Wertz
New Berlin, WI
John, Judi and Family,
I’am so shocked to read about Donny. I am extremely sorry to hear about your loss. I read it in the daiy press on line. My thoughts are with you all in this time of sorrow. May God bless you now at this time of need
Gary Brown
Cape Coral, FL
Travis and Family…
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We didn’t know Don all that well, but we sure do love you Travis. We are always here for you, and anytime you need us, call* and we’ll be there. Even though he’s not here, he’s not gone. He lives within your hearts. Talk to him, he’ll listen.
We love you Buddy*..:(:(
Tressa and Kasey*=(
Kasey Horwitz, Tressa Schwalbach
Escanaba, MI