Otto J. Donakowski

Otto J. Donakowski, age 86, of Alpena, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center of Alpena.

            Otto J. Donakowski was born in Alpena, Michigan on April 10, 1932, to the late Anthony S. and Celia A. (Kline) Donakowski. He married Kay E. Meske on January 13, 1962, at St. Mary Catholic Church by Fr. John Kucinski. Otto was employed by Huron Portland Cement Company/National Gypsum Company in the Mobile Department for a total of 32 years, until his retirement in 1986. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 - 1954. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Otto was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 2496 and a life member of the American Legion Chapter 65. He was also a member of the Alpena Eagles Club, Thunder Bay Island Preservation Society; and a former member of the Thunder Bay Pool League. Otto operated a home butcher shop during deer season for over 30 years and also enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing.

            He is survived by his loving wife Kay of 56 years; one daughter Sandra (Mrs. Robert) Gritzmaker of Clayton, MI; three sons: Mark Donakowski of Ypsilanti, MI; Todd Donakowski of Comstock Park, MI; and Kurt (Pamela) Donakowski of Grand Rapids, MI; three grandchildren: Matthew Marine, Elle, and Andrew Donakowski; four step-grandchildren: Joshua & Crystal Gritzmaker and Samantha and Klayton Steffes; a sister: Blanche Donakowski of Alpena, MI and several nieces and nephews.

            Otto was preceded in death by two brothers Edward and Clarence "Sonny" Donakowski; one sister Gladys Kandow, and a daughter-in-law Cassie..

            Family and friends will gather for visitation at the Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home on Sunday, December 2, 2018, from 2 pm until 8 pm, with a Parish Prayer Service beginning at 7 pm followed by Full Military Honors accorded by the V.F.W. Post 2496. Visitation will continue on Monday, December 3, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of All Saints Parish from 10 am until the Mass of Christian Burial begins at 11 am with Fr. Joe Muszkiewicz officiating.

            Internment: Holy Cross Cemetery

            Memorials may be made to the D.V.A. Chapter 154; 18025 Fifteen Mile Road; Clinton Township, MI 48035; regarding the Traveling Veteran Memorial Wall in memory of Otto Donakowski.

Sunday, December 2, 2018 at Karpus- Hunter Funeral Home: Visitation from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Parish Prayer Service 7:00 PM, followed by Full Military Honors; Monday, December 3, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church: Visitation 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM

Monday, December 3, 2018 11:00 AM

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 2550 S. First Ave. Alpena, Michigan 49707

Sunday, December 2, 2018 at Karpus- Hunter Funeral Home: Visitation from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Parish Prayer Service 7:00 PM, followed by Full Military Honors; Monday, December 3, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church: Visitation 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM