Donald D. Gartee, 86
Born: June 13, 1926
Died: Sept. 24, 2012

Donald’s life began on June 13, 1926, in South Bend, the son of Dewey and Cecil (Anglemyer) Gartee.  He served his country proudly in the United States Navy during World War II.

He was united in marriage to the former Dolores Hornung on Dec. 30, 1961. Donald owned the brake shop, Specialized Brake Service, on Sample Street in South Bend with his brother, Gene. He was employed by Gateway Industries as a data processor for many years.

Donald started working with programming computers after he turned 50 years old and always had a hunger for new technology.

He enjoyed the internet and even working on an ipad right up to his last day through the kindness and generosity of Michiana Supernet in Niles.

Donald loved to fish and shared stories of fishing for perch off the bridge at St. Joe and always looked forward to his next fishing trip.

He loved going to Deb’s Café for his sausage biscuits and gravy and after becoming too ill to make it into town, the incredible gang at Deb’s brought his sausage biscuits to him.  His loving family includes his wife Dolores of Dowagiac, children John Vance of Niles, and Vickie (Vern) Herter of Eau Claire, daughter in law Denna Vance of Niles grandchildren Michelle (John) Hassle, Jason Vance, John Joseph Vance, Eric (Shelly) Herter, Kelly (Brian) Dargus and Susan (Brad) Seggerman, 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Donald passed away at home on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012.

He is preceded in death by his son, Craig Vance; sisters, Mildred and Betty; and brothers, Eugene and Loren.

Donald’s family will gather with friends on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel.  His funeral service will be held in the committal chapel at Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles at 11 a.m. on Monday led by Pastor Heather McDougall.
Burial will be at Mission Hills.

Memorial contributions in Donald’s name may be directed to Silver Creek United Methodist Church or Hospice at Home. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Donald at www.yazel-clark.com.