Don David Papesh went to celebrate Christmas with his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2024. He was born on March 17, 1950 to Andrew and Jo Maxine (Seibt) Papesh. He graduated from Clare High School in 1968 where he met Dorothy Hess. On September 20, 1968, Don and Dorothy were united in marriage and shared fifty-six wonderful years together. Most of his life, Don traveled throughout Michigan and several other states selling tractors or farm equipment. His last job was working for LS Tractors. He had created many lasting relationships throughout the years. He loved to talk to people and to drive. He had a detailed map in his head of Michigan and several other states that his family could rely on to be their personal GPS, and he never got them lost! Throughout his life, no matter the circumstances or how tough it got, he NEVER complained. And if anyone would ask, he would always say, “I’m fine”. In his retirement, he drove for Gladwin County Transit where he had a real heart for people, especially for the elderly, and it fulfilled his desire to be on the road. He had attended the Beaverton Baptist Church of Beaverton, MI.
Don is survived by his wife Dorothy (Hess) Papesh of Clare, his daughter, Sherry (Walter) Garver of Farwell, his two sons, Andrew Papesh of Clare, and Brian (Royalyne) Papesh of Stanwood, his grandchildren, Sharayah (Thomas) Kler of Kingsley, Mi., Brandy Papesh, Catherine (Adam) Beers, Nichole (Derrek) Stressman, Scout (Sarah) Graham, his great-grandchildren Makinna Turner, Haylea Kler, Delilah and Lily Stressman, Emerly Beers, Morris Graham, and two brothers, Jan Papesh of Texas and Ted (Denise) Papesh of Saginaw. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law, Walter (Sandy) Hess, Marty (Janet) Miller, and Gary St. John. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Jo Maxine Papesh, his son David Papesh, his sister-in-law Sandra St. John, his sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Ken Warner, and his special aunt, Gail Renee Settles of Texas, who he went to visit as often as he was able.
Due to the holidays, a funeral service in honor of Don will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Clare Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 A.M. with Pastors Andrew Norton and Jim Young officiating, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will follow services in the Cherry Grove Cemetery of Clare at 2:00 P.M. for the family and all who would like to attend. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 9th at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in honor of Don may be directed to the Beaverton Baptist Church or the Doran Foundation for ALS Clinic. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com
