Donald Willam Gaza

Donald William Gaza, who rose from humble beginnings in Valparaiso, Indiana, lived a full-life as a family man, a leader in his business, a fisherman, and a compassionate soul. He found eternal peace on Monday, August 24th, 2020. Shortly after graduating high school, Don met Polly at a local party, and from that day on they began their journey together building a family and building a business. As teammates and best friends they shared a contagious entrepreneurial spirit and valued each other's hard work. They began by pouring their creative energy into designing and building houses. Their own house truly became a home once their two children, Zachary, 28, and Margo, 26, were born. The family grew in love with the addition of their beloved dogs named Stella and Fraiser. Family was first for Don, and he treasured the simple joys of fatherhood with his young family of four. Polly and Don helped to raise each other as they raised their family. Throughout their entire lives, they shared an unconditional love, were each other’s biggest support, and knew an unparalleled level of trust. Always close, Polly and Don cherished time together as friends and as parents to their kids until the last days of Don’s life. Their souls will always be connected. With a fierce ambition and unmatched business savvy, Don built his career from the ground up. He began as a simple laborer for an environmental clean up company. Each day Don proved his ability and was quickly scouted as the business owner’s primary mentee. In him, his boss saw and encouraged his unlimited potential. When the business changed owners, Don, his wife Polly, and their closest friends Mike and Jerri Sutter took a leap of faith. Together, they all quit their jobs and started Northern Plant Services which quickly grew to be a leader of environmental cleanup in the Midwest. Don’s innovative leadership and ability to problem solve in some of the most complex environmental situations became an example to not only those around him, but across his industry. Don’s family considers his greatest strength in his workplace and in his life, to be his compassion towards others. Don was known for giving second chances, for seeing the best in people, for bringing out others’ potential, and not giving up on those who were down. He recognized the efforts and contributions of his employees. He hired people who were struggling to find jobs and helped them to be a part of something they were proud of. He befriended those that needed a friend. In tough situations, those around him would often think “What would Don do?” Don was an avid angler and a relentless fisherman. One of his greatest joys in life was sharing this passion of being on the water with his son. From the day that Zach could hold a fishing pole, at just three years old, Don and Zach were out fishing together at every chance they got. At times pulling all nighters and sleeping on the fishing boat, that neverending chase for the biggest fish kept bringing them back to the boat. But it was so much more than fishing; it was the brotherhood, the bonding, and the love they shared there that kept them on the water. That’s what made fishing a passion that was passed down. For both Don and Zach, the time in the boat was both therapeutic and an escape. There, stories were shared and simultaneously, stories were made. Because of Don’s drive, Zach knows him as the best Walleye fisherman around. That drive on and off the water will stay with Zach and drive him to be his best in honor of his Dad. Zach will remember his father with every cast. Don shared a special connection with his daughter Margo, whom he playfully called “Moo Moo.” Their bond was often expressed through their shared love of art. Don was Margo’s biggest supporter in all of her creative endeavors and loved seeing the world through his daughter’s eyes and photos. They shared a bond that was communicated beyond words. Don brought Margo stillness and security throughout her whole life. Don is survived by Polly, Margo, and Zachary and through all of the lives that he has touched. A time of visitation with the family will be on Friday - August 28, from 4:00-6:00pm, at Sommerfeld Chapel - 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI. There will be prayers at 6:00pm to conclude the evening. Those that are wishing to send flowers for the family may do so to the funeral home address. Please adhere to social distancing and wear a mask in respect of the family and those around you.