Donald Duane Launstein

Age 78, died June 9, 2015. Don was born May 26, 1937 to Clare and Olah (Howe) Launstein in Mason, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joyce. Don began his own sawmill operation while in high school. He graduated in 1955 from Mason High School and served in the National Guard, stationed in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. Launstein Sawmill grew into a company that employed 80 people in the 1970’s and 1980’s. When the economy changed Don changed with it. Launstein Hardwoods, in the mid 1980’s, started producing hardwood flooring and selling nationwide. Don’s driving force throughout his life ultimately culminated in the current Launstein Floors, which focuses on creating custom designer flooring. Don loved the wood industry and now leaves his beloved company to son, Dave with several dedicated, trusted employees to carry on. He will be remembered by many friends and associates, including those that worked with him in his sawmills, logging crews and flooring mills. He will also be remembered by people from around the country that lovingly say “I have a Launstein floor”. Don married Barbara Jones from Ozark, Missouri in 1960 and she died in 1980. They had two children, David (Sandy) Launstein and Mary (LaValle) Lamphere; grandchildren, Steven Launstein, Kait Lamphere, J. Case Lamphere and great grandchild, Anthony Launstein. In 1982 Don married Virginia (Turner) Groh from Mason, Michigan and gained two additional children, Tammy Jahshan and Carey (Michelle) Feazel; grandchild, Brad (Brittney) Feazel and great grandchild, Gage Feazel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Eden United Brethren Church, 1938 Eden Road, Mason, Michigan with Pastor Dan Bentz officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery, Mason, Michigan. Visitation will be Friday, June 12, 2015 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 621 S. Jefferson, Mason and 1 hour prior to the service at the Church. Don’s outlook on life was “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. On-line condolences may be shared at www.grbdmason.com