Donald Dean Podbilski

Donald Dean Podbilski, age 85, of Lansing, Michigan passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Donald was born July 18, 1936 in Cadillac, Michigan to Walter and Gaynelle Podbilski. He was preceded in death by his parents.

First and foremost, Donald loved the Lord with all of his heart.

His love for his wife Billie was a close second. Don and Billie just celebrated their 62nd anniversary on Oct. 17, 2021. On their first date 62 years ago, Don, being the gentleman that he was, didn't want to walk up to Billie's door empty handed. He stopped at the local flower shop and purchased her a dozen roses. Proudly walking up to Billie's door with roses in hand, he knocked on her door. Billie opened the door, and when she saw Don, tears started to flow from Billie's eyes. Don didn't know what was happening. He thought she was so touched by the roses that she was crying. Don, of course, asked Billie if she was ok. Billie looked up at Don with tears in her eyes and said, "Yes, I am ok, but I am allergic to roses." Immediately Don got rid of the roses. They were able to still go on their date and have remained together ever since.

Next, Don loved his entire family. They meant the world to him, and he loved just being with them.

Don was very passionate about his church and church community. He and his wife Billie led a senior group called SERV. They loved serving the Lord together. He was such an active member of his church and will always be a highly respected pillar for his church.

Don worked for Nabisco Company and retired after 43 years of service.

He loved sports, especially U of M football....GO BLUE!

Don also had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh. For those who knew Don, he will be remembered for being quite the jokester.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Billie; sons, Mark (Robertta) Podbilski, David (Michele Bohmer) Podbilski; daughters, Robin (Raymond) Evert, Vielka Cover; 17 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service for Don will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 12:00 p.m. at Life Christian Church, 2560 Eaton Rapids Road, Lansing, Michigan 48911 with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held after the service at Delta Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Life Christian Church.

Due to a severe allergic reaction to roses, family is requesting that roses specifically not be includes as part of any floral arrangement.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com for the Podbilski family.