Donald L. Flegel

Donald L. Flegel, age 96 of Brant, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, December 5th, 2021, with family by his side.

Donald was born July 21, 1925, in Hamilton Township, Gratiot County, to Ellis and Mabel (Greer) Flegel. He was one of 9 children, 7 boys and 2 girls. All 7 sons went to war and all 7 sons returned home in good health.

He was very proud of his service with the Navy from March 1944 to his discharge of May 27, 1946. Upon returning from WWII, Donald married his longtime love, Catherine J. Burgess, on her 19th birthday, August 20, 1946. Don and Catherine shared 70 years of marriage, until her passing, September 18, 2016.

Donnie had a passion for the outdoors. Rather it be rabbit hunting with his favorite beagle or fishing for Northern Pike in Canada with his beloved wife, or his long time, 62 years to be exact, annual hunting trip with his brothers, nephews and friends to the Porcupine Mountains in the UP. Donnie also hunted moose in Canada and elk in Wyoming with brothers and friends. He was the last surviving “original” member of the Brant Sportsman’s Club.

A highlight of his later years was his enthusiasm for restoring antique tractors and the hunt to find them. Whether it was tinkering on them, or showing them, Donnie was very proud of his collection. His most memorable accomplishment was the restoring of his 1926 Lauson 20-40 which was featured in an interview, video and calendar for Classic Tractor Fever. Donnie was also a member of the A-Tractive Tractor Club of Central Michigan, Ithaca.

Donald was very honored and proud to be a part of Honor Flight for the State of Michigan, to Washington DC, in October of 2008 with 3 of his surviving brothers.

Donald is survived by two children, Douglas Flegel of Brant and Elizabeth Hickman of Brant. One brother, Phillip (Nancy) Flegel of Elsie. Three granddaughters, Bethany Woody of Brant, Andria Weisbarth of Travis City and Mekenna Hickman of Brant and 3 great grandchildren.

Donnie is preceded in death by his parents, wife Catherine, 2 sisters, Zella Howes and Wanda Wymer, 5 brothers, Clifford, Nyal, Romaine, Richard and Volney Flegel.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home of Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.