Obituary of Donald Joseph Kelso

KELSO, Donald J. of Saginaw, Michigan died peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Hoyt Nursing and Rehab Centre with his wife Sandra, three daughters: Suzanne, Nancy and Mary Lee; and great grandson Liam, all of whom he loved unconditionally, at his side. Donald Joseph Kelso was born on March 21, 1929 in Detroit to the late Milton H. and Mary H. (Misko) Kelso. He was 85 years old. Don graduated from SS. Peter & Paul High School, Class of 1947, where he was a star basketball player and captain of the team that won the State Championship that year and earned a place in the Saginaw Sports Hall of Fame. He went on to receive his B.S. from Central Michigan University and his M.A. from the University of Michigan. He was drafted into the U.S. Military where he served in the Marine Corps for two years. Don's career was in education starting as a teacher. He retired in 1989 as Director of Adult and Community Education for the Jackson Public Schools. After retirement Don moved back to Saginaw to be closer to family. He belonged to many organizations and was active in the community as a volunteer. Some of Don's most pleasant times were with family and friends at his cottage on Lake Huron in Oscoda. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed many outings with his brother Jack and their father. Some of his best times were with his "old" Joey James buddies as they met and agreed to disagree on the topic of the day, usually sports. Don is survived by his wife, Sandy Kelso; three daughters: Suzanne (Dean) Putman, Nancy Kelso, and Mary Lee (Aaron) Tanenbaum; six grandchildren: Andrew, Julianna and Daniel Putman, Andrea Iocca, and Christopher and Kelsey White; and great grandson, Liam. Also surviving are brothers- and sisters-in-law: Elaine (Ron) McElmurry, Marilyn Mossman, and Leore (John) Bethune; also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Milton Kelso; Father- and Mother-in-law: Arthur Gail and Ruth Curtis; a brother Jack and his wife Dorothy; infant brother James; and brother-in-law, Jerry Mossman. The Family would like to thank those who provided loving care for Don at Hoyt. Also, a big thank you to his brother-in-law and long time friend; John Bethune. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steven Gavit will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Mausoleum. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of American Legion Post #439. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Salvation Army, SS. Stephen Catholic Church, or a charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories at the church, funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com