Donald G. Carson Obituary
Friends are being received from 5-7 pm Thursday May 29, 2025 at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be in Portage South Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Monastery of the Holy Name of Jesus in c/o the funeral home.
Dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Don Carson passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the age of 79.
The son of the late William and Fern (McConnell) Carson, Don was born on April 6, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa. He would often share about his mischievous childhood—from train-hopping through town to driving off in a 5-ton dump truck through Iowa country roads with friends. He attended Davenport University in Iowa for drafting.
After moving to Florida with his brother Kit, he met his "one and only" Amy and they soon started dating and working together building screened-in porches. They married on December 21, 1985 in Palm Harbor, Florida; and when work took Don to California temporarily, he sent long letters, handwritten cards, and photos filled with his love for his growing family. Upon his return, they settled in Michigan where they raised their family and retired. Don and Amy loved their morning coffee together on the front porch when the weather was nice, and enjoyed watching Gunsmoke in the evenings with dinner, and their love and companionship made even the simplest moments meaningful.
Don worked as a superintendent at American Village Builders for more than 30 years, alongside his own carpentry business, building cabinets, homes, and remodels. His craftsmanship and dedication to his work was unparalleled, and he often said how lucky he was to get to do what he loved for a living. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed being on the job with his "guys" and his homeowners.
A devoted husband and father, Don loved his family and was a constant supporter, provider, and encourager. He built and remodeled several homes for his family, and loved tending to his yard and working in his shop. Don formed instant connections with everyone he met, flashing his vibrant smile and peppering conversations with his sense of humor. His warmth and laughter were present in every interaction, and he enjoyed sharing his pride for and enjoyment of his kids and grandkids.
Known as "Paw Paw" and "Poppy" by his grandkids, he was always ready with a hug, a snuggle, a silly face, or a laugh. His grandkids looked forward to his homemade crepes and infamous donut runs, which always included a favorite or two of each for everyone. He enjoyed a rambunctious game of "Five Thousand" with family, tending countless bonfires while serving up s'mores, sharing popcorn and treats with his schnauzers, and taking his grandkids on tractor rides in the yard. He was always happy to Facetime or talk on the phone with loved ones and friends and he could out-dance anyone at a wedding reception whether he knew the song or not. Don was regarded by those who loved him for his joyful charisma and his steady support and acts of service.
Don is survived by his wife Amy, his children: Nikki (Ian) Cohoon, Alicia (George) Carson, Kristy (Josh) Thompson, and Mandy (Brett) VanTiem; his grandchildren: Alma, Lawrence, Lana, Kasey, Grayson, Macy, Ezra, Leah, and Sean; his sibling Bill (Megan) Carson; his in-laws Sister Marie Bernard "Janie", Marty (Ardith) Wagar, Lawrence (Kathy) Wagar, Lorrie (Butch) Ettwein, Marian Wagar, Barbie (Ron) Curley, and Maureen Webb; his nieces, nephews, and other relatives, as well as many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Fern Carson; his brother and sister-in-law, Kit and Karen Carson; his seven angel grandbabies; and Bailey and Mowgli.
