Donald Jean Goudreau Sr

Donald J. Goudreau, Sr., age 95, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2022, at his home in Trout Lake, Michigan. He was born August 15, 1927, in Manistique, Michigan, to Alvin and Della Goudreau. Donald grew up in Rexton, Michigan. After high school, he left home to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Upon completing his tour of duty, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart Dana Clark on September 30, 1947. He and Dana were married 73 years and raised eleven children. For several years, he worked with his dad as a Beer Distributor. He went on to purchase and operate the Town House Restaurant in St. Ignace. After 4 years, he sold the restaurant and began employment with Mackinac County Equalization Department. His career progressed and he had the opportunity to work for the State of Michigan in the Treasury Department as a State Assessor. During that period, he attained a Level IV certification, the highest available, from the International Association of Assessing Officers. He retired from the State of Michigan Treasury Department in 1990. A short time later, he and his sons, D.J. and Gary established Goudreau and Associates Appraisals. Twenty years later, all three of them retired for the second time. In addition to working and being a father to eleven children, he and Dana enjoyed traveling and visiting their children throughout the United States. He loved to travel by train and had extensive knowledge of the various rail systems in the United States as well as Canada. He was also very passionate about the Great Lakes Shipping Industry, having spent a season as a deck hand aboard the steamer Watson. He enjoyed talking about trains and the boats with anyone who showed interest. Don was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Moran, Michigan, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the American Legion Post #0393, and a Lifetime member of the Elks. Don is survived by ten of his children, Donald J. Goudreau, Jr. (Patty), Gary Goudreau (Gwen), Michele Paquin, Susan Vich (Skip), Sandra Thornton, Andrea Tamlyn (Ted), David Goudreau (Cathy), Mary Morairty (Kelly), Aimee Swanson (Dave) and Laura Flatt (Wayne), twelve grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; and cousin, Betty Smith of Rexton. Don was preceded in death by his wife Dana (73 years) and his son, Bernard J. Goudreau. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Saint Ignace on October 20, 2022. A Memorial Gathering will be held on October 20, 2022, from 10am -11:00 am at St Ignatius Catholic Church in St. Ignace, Michigan. Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00. Following the funeral, the family and guests will travel to the Epoufette Cemetery for burial. Food/refreshments will be served at the Hendricks Township Hall following the burial. Memorial contributions can be submitted to: Mackinac Straits Health Foundation: 1140 N. State St. St. Ignace, MI 49781. Galer Funeral Home & Cremation in Pickford, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.

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Donald Jean Goudreau Sr

August 15, 1927 - October 4, 2022