Donald Holt

Donald M. Holt passed away peacefully on April 26th , 2015 surrounded by his family and friends, at Munson Medical Center, in Traverse City, Michigan.

Don was born on September 12, 1932 to George and Marcella Holt, at home, in Gould City, Michigan. He was the fifth of nine children.

Don 'Peck' married the former Sally Cartwright on October 9, 1954 in Gould City. They eventually made their home in Sault Ste. Marie, and together they raised four children. Don was a heavy equipment operator for the majority of his adult life. He worked on projects near home, such as the construction of the Mackinac Bridge and the Soo Locks. He also worked on projects as far away as Saudi Arabia. He later became a Real Estate salesman and spent many years working for Mac Master Realty. He also helped develop and then later managed, the Recycling Center in the Sault, for ten years.

Don served as a member, and Chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie, E.D.C. board, for many years. He also served on the Chippewa Road Commission for 31 years, and served as Vice-President of the County Road Association of Michigan, and President of the Upper Peninsula Road Builders Association. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the Operating Engineers Local 324, and a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Don loved to hunt, fish, and in his youth, play baseball. He tried to golf, so that he could spend more time outdoors with his friends and family; but eventually gave it up because it was so much work!! He enjoyed traveling, whether a short trip to Canada to fish with friends, or a trip with his granddaughter to Italy. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on Neebish Island, where he spent many happy times with family and friends watching the deer and birds, playing cards and visiting. What Don loved most was his family, and he especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don’s greatest joy came from being “Santa” at Christmas, providing the best “trick” on April Fool’s day, and providing proof of the Easter Bunny (rabbit tracks) at Easter. Don and Sally’s home was the place where holidays, birthdays and special events were celebrated by the whole family, with great food, laughter and love, for the past 61 years.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Sally, and two daughters; Angela Rodney and Michelle (Ernie) Maas; daughter-in-law, Danielle Holt; five grandsons; Ryan (Amy) Maas, Nicholas (Heather) Smith, Adam (Teri) Maas, Jacob (Susie) Holt, and Benjamin Holt; three granddaughters, Jillian Rodney, Shelly Holt, and Amanda Maas; three great-grandsons, Owen Smith, Edison Maas and Luke Maas and one great-granddaughter, Phoebe Maas. Don is also survived by his brothers, Willard (Betty) Holt and Dwayne (Nancy) Holt; sisters, Marilyn McArthur, and Patricia (Warren) Pearson; sister-in-laws, Phyllis Holt Lanesey, Judi (Mark) Butkovich, and Maggie (Gordie) Belleville. Don was preceded in death by his two sons, Christopher and Todd; his brother, George, and three sisters; Darlene (Vern) Trautner, Doris (Vernie) LaPine, and Mildred (Frank) Irwin.

Don’s life will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass on June 6th at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will be served following the Mass. Please visit www.lifetorytc.com to sign Don's guest book and share a message with his family. Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.