Donald Robert DeFreez

Donald R. DeFreez, Sr., 82 Dec. 13, 1930 – Aug. 31, 2013 Donald Robert DeFreez, Sr., 82, of Buchanan, MI passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles, MI on Sat., August 31, 2013. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swem Chapel of Buchanan. Donald was born December 13, 1930 in Caledonia, WI to Richard and Elizabeth (Abel) DeFreez. On Sept. 1, 1951 in LaGrange, IN he married Charlotte Wruck. Donald, along with his brothers, was a agricultural farmer in the Galien, MI area for many years. He also worked at National Standard in Niles, MI for 32 years, retiring in 1988. Donald loved to work in his garden, feeding the many birds in his yard, and being with his dog. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family. Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years –Charlotte; his children, Donnie (Nancy) DeFreez, Jr. of Galien, Ronnie (Veda) DeFreez of Galien, Diana (Phil) Masten of Niles, Pam (Brian) Marshall of Galien, and Sharon DeFreez of Buchanan; seven grandchildren, Dawn Robinson, Dustin Marshall, Elicia Hannah, Taya Groover, Sara Jozefiak, Donnie DeFreez, II. and Haley DeFreez; thirteen great grandchildren; and brothers, Charles ‘Bub’ DeFreez, Robert DeFreez and Richard DeFreez. Preceding him in death are his parents-Richard and Elizabeth, a daughter-Sandra Kay DeFreez, and two sisters-Lina Payne and Katherine Tees. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Weds., Sept. 4, 11:00 AM, at Swem Chapel in Buchanan, with Pastor Carl Bassett officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan. Visitation is on Tues., Sept.3, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – 1340 Sycamore St., Niles, MI 49120 or to the Parkinson Foundation. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.swemchapel.com