Obituary of Donald H. Schark

Schark, Donald H. “Don”

Saginaw, Michigan

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and dear friend passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2022 from complications related to cancer, surrounded by his family. He was 71 years old. Donald H. Schark was born on August 6, 1951 in Saginaw, MI to Betty (MacFarlane) and Donald J. Schark. He attended Arthur Hill High School. He married Deborah Reisig on April 4, 1970, and she survives him.

Don loved spending time with his family at home and on various vacations. He especially liked attending his children and grandchildren’s sports, school and church activities, even chaperoning for his grandkid’s field trips at Holy Cross.  Don and Debbie were active members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church where they participated in the social ministry and other church activities. He took joy in being a Blue Jay Fan!

He loved road trips with his wife and took past annual hunting trips with his dad, son, brothers, uncles and cousins. Don golfed many years on a league and enjoyed Euchre tournaments, fishing trips with Tom, visits to his Mother’s, visits from Donny, Corey, Jennifer and families, and walks with his beloved dog, Brody. He loved the annual granddaughters dance recitals and attending Jack and Alex’s football and basketball games. He looked forward to his first great grandchild, and seeing Alison and David’s new house.

In younger life he played on men's softball leagues and enjoyed winning at pool. Don and his family spent countless weekends at Helen and Otto’s cottage and later visits north to Jennifer and Marks. He was athletic and good at everything he participated in. Don was blessed with a Christian faith in God.

In his early years, Don worked with his Dad at Schark Heating and Cooling followed by working as a heavy equipment operator. He worked many years for Champagne and Marx Excavating belonging to Operating Engineers Local #324. He retired from Faulkner Construction at Dow Corning. Don served his community for 10 years on the Kochville Township Fire Department. During his retirement, Don drove school bus for Swan Valley Schools favoring the sporting events. 

Don is survived by his wife, Debbie; children: Donald J. Schark, Corey (Brian) DeLong, Jennifer (Mark) LaDouce; grandchildren: Alison (David) Winter, Claudia and Adeline DeLong, Jack and Alexander LaDouce; and his first great grandchild expected in February; mother, Betty Schark; siblings: Barbara (Ferdy) Meier and Jeffery (Mary) Schark; sister-in-law, Mary Schark; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Patricia Bourdow (Dan, deceased), Ginger (Tom) Marx and Joann Reisig (Mike, deceased); many special nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Donald J. Schark; sister, Sue Gunther; and brother, Dave Schark; and mother-in-law and fathers-in-law: Helen & Otto Scharich and Ferdinand Reisig.

FUNERAL: A funeral for Don will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2022 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 Court St, Saginaw, MI 48602. Rev. Paul Biber will officiate. Cremation will follow the funeral service.

VISITATION: Family and friends will visit on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. At 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Kochville Township Fire Department will honor Don with a Walkthrough and Last Call. Following the department ceremony, Don’s family will have a prayer service to share stories and memories. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or School. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com