Donald C. Mittag

Donald Carl Mittag, 83 passed away peacefully on August 8, 2015. Donald was born on March 2, 1932 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of August and Emma (Zahrling) Mittag. Donald grew up on the family farm near Myrtle, Minnesota, youngest of 5 siblings. Donald graduated from Albert Lea (MN) high school and then obtained his BA diploma from Mankato College, where he met his future wife, Mae Forde. He went on to earn an MA degree from Iowa University and spent his career as a teacher. Don taught at Kerkovan High School in Minnesota and then moved to Racine, Wisconsin, heading the speech and drama department at Park High School. He then established and headed the same department at the newly constructed JI Case High School, where he also established a radio/television station within the school to teach media arts. In Racine Don and Mae started a family and raised 3 sons, Todd, Mark and Dan.

The family then moved to Michigan, where Don taught adult education in Eaton Rapids. He went on to work for Newspapers in education for the Detroit Free Press, from which he retired. Donald was a creative and well respected educator his entire life, shaping the lives of thousands of students. Don was active in every community that he resided in; latest as a member of the SAL of the American Legion Haslett post. Don had numerous friends over the years and will be missed by more people than can be properly counted. Don was truly a gentle soul and got along with virtually everyone he met; he rarely had an unkind word to say about anybody. Don was a golfer as well as a big sports fan, rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Detroit Tigers, Michigan State Spartans and, most importantly, his beloved Green Bay Packers. He loved the theater and developed a great appreciation of the band Pink Floyd; he attended 2 of their concerts. Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mae and all but 1 of his siblings. Surviving to cherish his memory are sons Todd (Cheryle) Mittag, Mark Mittag, Dan (Shannon) Mittag, sister Millicent Larson, grandchildren Jennifer Beauchaine, Laura Beauchaine, Rebecca (Jeremy) Stevenson, William (Jamie) Beauchaine, Erin (Bobby) Crandell and 9 great grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, as well as several nieces, nephews and their families. Funeral service will be held Thursday, August 13, 2015, 11: 00 am. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing with viewing 1 hour prior to the service. For those wishing, memorial donations can be made in Dons’ name to the Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813, to whom the family would like to express their great appreciation for helping Don in his final “transition” days. Thanks also to the many people of the McLaren Greater Lansing system, who were so kind to our father. Condolences, memorials and thoughts can be shared at www.greastlansing.com. May God bless all of you…