Marquette––– Donald H. Green, 79, of 2020 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Sunday evening, April 27, 2008, at Marquette General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born April 18, 1929 in Marquette, the youngest of nine children of William and Edna (Magnuson) Green. He was raised in Marquette and was a 1947 graduate of the Graveraet High School. Following graduation, he worked for a time as a pipe fitter with the Duluth South Shore and Atlantic Railroad before entering the US Army on February 5, 1951. He proudly served with the Xth Corps during the Korean War, attaining the rank of corporal. While in service, Don married his high school sweetheart, the former Carol J. Matson, on September 8, 1951. After his honorable discharge, the couple together established a home and raised their family in Marquette. Don returned to work on the railroad and, in 1961 went into business for himself, purchasing B & B Furnace. Don owned and operated the business until 1998 when his son, Gary, took over the operation. Don was very family oriented and always found time for his children. He took them fishing, to Packer games, on partridge hunts complete with picnic lunches, taught them to polka by having them stand on his feet, and brought them surprise gifts from time to time. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and gardening. He built a camp on the Dead River Basin where family and friends were recipients of his warm hospitality. An enthusiastic Packer and Red Wing fan, he had, while in the 8th grade, won a city speed skating competition at the old Palestra. He also liked to collect antiques and sing along to recorded music in his basement family room. Don was proud of his Irish heritage and was very patriotic, belonging to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Richard Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carol; his children, Chris (Glen Alexander) Reno, Kay (William) Mandersheid, Gary Green, and Joan Green all of Marquette; son-in-law, Wayne (Carol) Pleaugh of Marquette; his grandchildren, Tony (Terri) Reno, Tammy Reno, James (Stacy) Pleaugh, Jon Pleaugh, and Matt Mandersheid; a great-granddaughter, Payton Pleaugh; step-great grandchildren, Joel and Jain DeMerse; a sister, Ruth (James) Luke; two brothers, James (Connie) Green and Robert (Agnes) Green; and a sister-in-law, Isabel Green all of Marquette; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a daughter, Dianne Pleaugh; granddaughter, Jessica Pleaugh; son-in-law, Joe Reno; sisters, Betty Price and Margaret Johnson; and brothers, Bill, Ed, and Joe Green.
Friends may call at the Messiah Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 1, beginning at 11:00 am. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm Thursday afternoon with Rev. Timothy Bernard officiating. Members of the Jopling Post of the American Legion will render veteran’s honors. Escorts will be Don’s son, Gary; sons-in-law, Bill and Wayne; grandsons, Tony, James, Jon, and Matt; and Glen Alexander. A reception for family and friends will be held in Magnuson Hall.