Donald Joseph Marit, age 83, of Manitowoc, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023. He was cared for at home the past six weeks by his family.
He was born on October 18, 1939 in the Town of Casco, son of the late Clarence and Julia (Schaefer) Marit. Donald was a 1957 graduate of Casco High School. On June 16, 1962, he married Betty Ann Siebold at St. Joseph’s Church in Norman. They Celebrated 60 and a half years of marriage.
During High School, Donald enlisted in the United States Army on the six-month plan. One month after completing his basic training, a tragic accident occurred. While working at Algoma Box and Dowel, he lost all fingers on his right hand due to an unguarded saw. He then went to vocational school and trained as a specialist tool grinder. Donald worked at Manitowoc Engineering for 32 years. When he retired, Betty and him lived winter months in Florida for three years and in Yuma, Arizona for five years. He drove the “back roads” around Yuma and always discovered new and interesting things.
Donald always loved fishing, whether on Lake Michigan, the Gulf in Florida, or the canals in Arizona. He would fish for hours and enjoyed it even if he didn’t catch anything. He also enjoyed hunting rabbits for many years with his father-in-law. Donald also spent deer hunting time by his dad on the farm, using his 20 gauge shotgun and in later years a crossbow.
Camping with family and friends for many years made for lots of memories. He traveled to all the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico. He also always looked forward to going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts. Fond memories were made on many excursions with Allen and Linda, Dave and Marilyn, and Glenn and Gloria. The guys tended to get into mischief. He liked going to casinos and usually was very lucky.
Donald is survived by his wife Betty Marit; one son: Brian Marit, Algoma; three daughters: Dawn Knier, Brenda (Dennis) Mraz, and Donna (Tim) Harding, all of Manitowoc; ten grandchildren: Jacob Marit (Fiance Jamie), Alyssa (Tyler) Kosciesza, Hannah (Simon) Rush, Jordan (Angie) Becker, Austin Becker, Colton Becker (Friend Meghan), Hunter Harding (Friend Alivia), Tanner Harding (Friend Jennifer), Samuel Harding, and Conner Knier; step-granddaughter: Mackenzie Mraz; four great-grandchildren: Clara, Rosalee, Mason, and Amelia; his brother: Clarence and Rosie Marit; two sisters: Julie Kleiman and Jackie Jahnke; sisters-in-law: Sue (Scott) De Rosier and Terry Marit; and one brother-in-law: Bob (Sue) Siebold. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter; daughter-in-law: Vicki Marit; parents: Clarence and Julia Marit; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Victor and Clara Siebold; sisters: Carol Curi and Delores Haese; brother: Mike Marit; and three brothers-in-law: Dino Curi, Dave Kleiman, and Bill Jahnke.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc. Deacon Steve Zimmer will officiate the service. Military rites will be accorded by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #731 of Manitowoc. The service will be livestreamed, and can be viewed by visiting the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/harriganparkside/. Following the service, a luncheon will be held for family and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located on the southside property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Marit family with funeral arrangements.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Deacon Steve Zimmer, Father Dave Beaudry, and Aurora Hospice, especially Rachel, who helped Donald’s family during this difficult time. Also thank you to Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home for helping with arrangements.
