Donald Weber

Donald Weber thought of others before himself, and each day he tried to bring happiness into the hearts of the many people he loved. He was a generous, honest, kind-hearted man who cherished his family above all else. When he was with his wife, children, and grandkids, a familiar smile always sat on his lips.

With a victorious end to the Second World War, thousands of young soldiers returned home and started families of their own. The Baby Boom was quickly underway. In Kalamazoo, Michigan, Herbert Weber and his wife Katrine Ryan were among the many expecting parents. On April 27, 1951 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son Donald Weber at Borgess Hospital.

The second of five children, Donald grew up in the Oakwood neighborhood of Kalamazoo with the company of his older brother Lawrence and his younger siblings Herbert, Genevieve, and Carl. While his mother stayed at home to raise the kids, his father provided for the family through his job as an auto mechanic. Donald was an active, energetic child who enjoyed the outdoors. He was a Cub Scout, and he participated in Oakwood Little League. As a young teen he bought a lawn mower and started his first business cutting grass. Donald attended Oakwood Elementary School and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the Class of 1969. He enrolled at Western Michigan University where he earned a business degree in 1973.

During his college days, Donald met an attractive young woman named Patricia Rolfe. They were introduced to each other through a mutual friend while Don was fixing a motorcycle. Donald fell in love with Patricia, and on January 12, 1973 they were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kalamazoo. The newlyweds settled in Kalamazoo, where they were blessed with three wonderful children. Kim was born in 1974, followed by Eric in 1977 and Melissa in 1981. Donald was a dedicated father. He loved to spend time with his family and he provided loving secure homes on Patland St and Oak Hill Dr. where his children spent most of their childhood.

He and Eric would often go fishing together, and the entire family would visit the time-share at Shanty Creek or spend spring at Edisto Island, SC. Donald had nicknames for everyone such as sweetie and button. He also had a number of signature statements including: "Life is to short to worry about the small things", "Certainly", and "That's just it". One of his favorites to his wife was: "That's great, Patti." Christmas was Donald's favorite time of the year. He enjoyed shopping for his wife and kids, and he always selected special gifts. The holiday was always held at Donald's and Patricia's home.

From his earliest days in the lawn mowing business, Donald worked a variety of jobs. He was a hard worker, a leader and a true businessman. After college, he started working as a bank teller and later worked as a purchasing agent at several manufacturing companies. He and his business partner and close friend, Norm Huebner, eventually bought Nickel Equipment Co in Kalamazoo. They changed the name to Contractors Equipment and Supply Co. They owned and operated it together for twenty years until Norm passed away in 1997. Donald was also a co-owner of Paw Paw Rentals. He was a well-liked boss, and he even sat down every so often to smoke his trademark Swisher cigars at his office. He sometimes hired people who were down on their luck and thus gave them an opportunity to work.

Donald's work was his hobby and it was the challenge he enjoyed. He would buy cars and resell them for a profit. He also enjoyed dealing in real estate. He would buy properties, fix them up, and then sell them. He also owned a number of rental homes and properties. He called his Remax agent daily to see what was new on the market. Donald loved to seek out good deals, and he was a member of the barter club, MBE. His motivation was always to make life easier for others with whatever fortune came his way.

Donald was selfless. When you were invited to a meal with him at a restaurant he always insisted on picking up the check. Restaurants like the Blue Dolphin, Derk's and Pappy's were a few of his favorites especially if he could use his MBE membership. Although he always was on the go and seemed to be in a hurry, he was calm. Relaxing for him was reading the newspaper, having coffee with Pat or watching the Early Show Sunday morning on TV.

Although Donald was a hard worker, his family was always the center of his life. In his later life, he was thrilled with the blessing of four grandchildren. Donald was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was the happiest when he was at home. He enjoyed cats, and his current companion was named "Louie." Among his family and his close friends, Donald will be remembered for his generous ways, his sense of humor, and his willingness to go the extra mile.

Donald died unexpectedly on November 2, 2006. Learn more about Don, view his Life Story Film and visit with his family and friends Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Betzler 6080 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo 375-2900 where a service to Celebrate his Life will be held Wednesday at 10:00 AM. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and a friend to all. Members of Don's family include his wife and best friend Patricia, 3 children; Kimberly (Bryan) Baughman of Portage, Eric (Ellay) Weber of Three Rivers, and Melissa (Jeff) Weber of Kalamazoo, 4 grandchildren; Julia, Sierra, Quinten and Brooke, 1 sister; Genevieve Weber, 3 brothers; Lawrence, Herb and Carl Weber, 1 Uncle; Donald Ryan and several nieces and nephews. Please visit Donald's web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory, order flowers, make a memorial contribution or share photo's.