Ypsilanti, Mich.: Donald E. Gefre of Ypsilanti, Mich., 77, died peacefully on Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, at Arbor Hospice Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., after a courageous battle with leukemia.
Donald is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Virginia; their children: Ann (Kevin) Gage of Northville, Mich., Daniel (Roxann) Gefre of Ypsilanti, Mich., and Denise Gefre of Ypsilanti, Mich.; three grandchildren: Andrew Gefre, Ryan Gage and Joshua Gage; brother, Leo (Ellen) Gefre; sister, Eileen Kenny; sister-in-law, Ramona Gefre; brother-in-law, Larry McBride; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Caroline (Jax) Gefre; brothers: Lawrence Jr. and Robert Gefre; sister-in-law, Valois Rue.
Don retired 21 years ago from O&W Distributors after 17 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, an active member of the Foresters, AMVETS, American Legion, and Depot Town Antique Engine Club. Don loved being outdoors, was an avid camper, enjoyed working on small engines and shared his time volunteering and caring for the developmentally disabled.
Resurrection Mass was celebrated on Friday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Parish, 9425 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, Mich. Interment at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Community Alliance at communityalliance.com, serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
Since 1986, Community Alliance, a nonprofit 501(c)3 agency, been pleased to serve individuals with developmental disabilities in Michigan. Through our three initiatives, community residence corporation, community living network and community housing alternatives, we provide affordable housing options and supportive services for adults with developmental disabilities in Washtenaw County, Mich. We are committed to assuring that our clients lead the very best lives they can in their own homes in their own communities. In order to continue to provide the highest quality services to those we serve in the face of fewer and fewer resources, we will continue thinking "outside the box." You can help us continue to be innovative by volunteering to help or by making a donation in support of our programs and initiatives. Thank you for your past and continued support of Community Alliance.