WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Donovan J. Laessig, 79, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at his home.

Don was born on Oct. 1, 1934, in Stratford, Wis., a son of Reuben and Florence (Kurtzweil) Laessig. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1952.

On Oct. 20, 1956, Don married Lorraine J. "Dolly" Eilo in Wakefield.

He was employed by Connor Forest Industries from April 20, 1953, to Oct. 24, 1997.

Throughout his life, Don spent many enjoyable hours tending his garden, fishing on local lakes and in rivers and hunting in the area woods. He made numerous woodworking items that were used by taxidermists and displayed in local craft shops.

Don is survived by two daughters, Donna Beber (Randy), Woodbury, Minn., and Denice Laessig, Wakefield; four sons, Joel (Diane), Des Plaines, Ill., and Jon (Mary), Jim (Tammy) and Jeff (Regena), all of Wakefield; 10 grandchildren, Christopher, Joshua, Jon Jr., Justin, Alyssa, Lynnea, Nathan, Victoria, Cassandra and Hayley; a great-granddaughter, Andrea; a sister, Trudy (Brad) Shelgren, Iron River; many nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Lorraine "Dolly," on March 7, 2010; a great-granddaughter, Lilly Beber; two brothers and a sister-in-law, PFC Kenneth F., MIA in Korea, and James (Corrinne).

The family will gather for a private memorial at a later date.

His final resting place will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner/manager. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.