Don was born on March 8, 1944, in Muskegon, Michigan to Donald Sr. and Dorris Rose. Don
worked as a journeyman millwright his whole life and after many years he retired from Howmet
in Whitehall. In his free time, Don was a very adventurous man. He was always living on the
edge and seemed to have no fear. He loved anything with a motor and tinkering with many
projects out in his garage. When not in the garage, he was moving dirt with his Kubota or
taking on the open roads. He loved his jeeps, but his true love was his Harley Davidson
motorcycles. Any chance he had, he would take his bike out for a long ride. He also had a
deep love for his family and was so very proud of them. Whether it was going out for their
weekly breakfast dates at the Overboard Inn or watching the grandkids enjoy things like his
commercial popcorn machine, he was happy. He also always knew how to make you think too.
His jokes were truly the best, even if it took a couple of days to think them through and then
finally get it. No matter what, they always make you laugh. He was genuinely a wonderful
father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend that will be dearly missed.
Don was preceded in death by his son, Donald William Rose III; his parents, Donald William
Rose Sr. and Dorris Rose; and his siblings, Joann Burns, and Joseph (Josie) Rose.
Donald is survived by: children, Donna (Gary) Kersting, Dena (Rick) Hoffman, and DeeEllen
(Paul) Brock; grandchildren, Britney (Chad) Andersen, Adam (Amy) Nicolai, Hannah (John)
Pasikowski, Korina Nicolai, Coral Brock, Ruby Brock, and Jorja Brock; great-grandchildren,
Carly Andersen, Carter Pasikowski, and soon to be, baby boy Nicolai; sister, Kay (Howard)
Bogue; lifelong friend and barber, Ray Perez; and step-son, Kenneth Kelly.
In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation will take place and a small family memorial will
take place at a later time.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EverRestFuneralHomeandChapel.com for the Rose family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17