Donald T. "Don" Burns

Donald T. "Don" Burns, 70, of Channing, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, December 2, 2013 with his family at his side. He was born July 15, 1943 in Johnstown, PA, the son of Donald and Helen (Raymond) Burns. Don graduated from Johnstown High School in 1961 and went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from TriState University. He married Christine Switt on November 13, 1971 in Ann Arbor, MI. Don's first employment was with Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn. He started in the truck plant and then became a liaison engineer and traveled throughout the states and Canada. He also worked for a short time with an office furniture company in York, PA before moving to the area and taking a position with Lodal, Inc in 1979. Don loved working in the engineering field and was very good at what he did. He held a position at the Niagara Paper Mill for several years before going to Menominee Paper where he worked for over 15 years. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, the United Sportsman's Club in Merriman, the Sagola Township Sportsman's Club and a benefactor member of the National Rifle Assoc. Don was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting, boating and especially time spent at camp with his friends. He enjoyed grilling, using his smoker and was an excellent cook. Faith and family were the staples of his life and he was a devoted husband, father and grandpa. Don loved his grandsons and enjoyed tractor and boat rides with them. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Christine; his mother, Helen Burns of Pittsburgh, PA; a daughter, Susan (Ryan) Grondin of Iron Mountain; a son, Daniel Burns of Norway; three grandsons, Gavin, Logan and Nolan Grondin; a sister, Linda Burns and her daughter, Emily; several nieces, nephews and his dog, Bear. Don was preceded in death by his father, Donald and a son, Michael. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at St. Rose Catholic Church in Channing. Fr. Dan Malone will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Donald Burns online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Donald T. "Don" Burns

July 15, 1943 - December 2, 2013