"Pat and Family, Our deepest sympathies and prayers to all of you. I hadn't seen Don in quite awhile. Seems he was always smiling when I did. Memories of him go back to the CB radio days, when I first met him. We live in Nashville, TN. now and I just saw this sad news. Please know our prayers go out for you at this hard time. Rest in peace Don. You are a good man and will be missed. God Bless All of You."
In loving memory of
DON R. SHELDON
July 4, 1944 - November 24, 2013
Don R. Sheldon, 69, of Marquette, died Sunday afternoon, November 24, 2013 at Marquette General Hospital following a short illness.
Don was born on July 4, 1944 in Marquette, a son of the late William James and Viola (Gentz) Sheldon. He attended local Catholic Schools and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1963. Following graduation, Don enlisted in the Coast Guard for four years.
When service to his country concluded, Don began working at B & B Furnace in Marquette for six years. He then attended NMU for a while prior to becoming employed at the Presque Isle Power Plant in 1978. He worked there as a plant electrician until his retirement on January 1, 2006.
After retirement, Don and his wife, Patricia, spent four months every winter in Florida where he golfed almost every day. He was an avid motorcyclist, played hockey well into his 50's and also played on many softball teams. He loved going camping with his family and snowmobiling on his Arctic Cat.
Don attended St. Peter Cathedral and was a former Elks Lodge member.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Patricia Neimeyer, whom he married on February 19, 1966 at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette; four children, Christine (Jack) Watts of Kingsford, MI, Cynthia (Jeff) Jensen of Fort Atkinson, WI, Shawn (Jaime) Sheldon and Tricia (Matt) Bush, both of Marquette; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Waisanen, Tyler Waisanen, Jacquelyn Jensen, Jordan Jensen, Brody Sheldon, Brynn Sheldon, Kane Bush and Brayden Bush; one sister, Mary (Ray) Mallette of Marquette; two brothers, Jack (Rachel) Sheldon of San Luis Obispo, CA and Bruce (Suzanne) Sheldon of Heather, FL; a sister-in-law, Barbara Sheldon of Ishpeming; two aunts, Muriel Jean Cox and Betty (Jim) Thompson, both of Marquette; also surviving are several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Preceding Don in death besides his parents was a brother, William Sheldon on April 11, 2011 and an infant sister, Marie Alice Sheldon in 1949.
Friends may call at the Bishop's Room of St. Peter Cathedral on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon in the cathedral with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Spring burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass in the parish hall.
Pallbearers will be Shawn Sheldon, Jeff Jensen, Jack Watts, Matthew Bush, Bruce Sheldon and Jack Sheldon.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Oh Pat...(((Hugs))) We are so very sorry. My memories comfort you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lisa Hauswirth, Jesse and Alex Bianchi. Don Bianchi."
"Dear Pat. So sorry to hear about Don. You are in my prayers and in my heart."
"Dear Pat and Family: Our sincere condolences. We will all miss Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Dear Pat and family you have our deepest sympathy. We were out of town and did not read about this until it was to late too make the funeral."
"Dear Pat and Family: I worked with Don at PIPP and he was the best: he had the knowledge, he had the energy and he had the personality. He was a joy to work with. Know that Don sits at the right hand of our Holy Father. May God Bless you all."
"Pat and family - My deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. God bless."
"Dear Pat and Family, So sad to read the news of Don's passing. We will be lifting you up in thoughts and prayers during this sad time."
"Pat For you and your family you have my deepest sympathy. I am so glad that I saw the two of you that day at the hospital and was able to share parts of our lives in the present and in the past. You brought back a lot of memories when we were kids in the neighborhood. I will always cherish that. God Bless and the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you"
"I'm sorry Pat for your loss, I haven't seen Don for some time now but, But he always had a smile all the times we met. He was always been a good friend and he will be missed Joe DeFalico"
"Pat:I am so sorry to hear about Don.You and your family will be in my prayers."
"Pat and family, We are so very sorry to hear of Don's passing. We will remember Don always with happy thoughts. He was without hesitation always interested and willing to spend time to talk to us about snowmobiling , motorcycles, and especially in recent years, grandchildren! He impressed us as a friendly man who loved his family. Pat, you and Don were such a special couple, always showing love, respect and joy for each other, setting such an example for all your friends and family. Don will be missed but never forgotten..... Love Stephen and Deborah Wissler"
"Pat.....My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time."
"Dear Pat and family - We are so sad to read about Don......Always a friendly hello when we seen you both.....such a happy couple together.....Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time in your lives....Steve and Betsy Savola"