Donald Francis Bischoff, age 87, passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at his home in West Branch, MI surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 31, 1934 in Detroit, MI. Donald lived in West Branch since 2019, formerly of Gladwin, MI for 40 years.
Donald attended grade school at St. Matthews in Detroit and graduated from St. Ambrose High School in 1952. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Navy Reserves Submarines from 1952-1956.
On February 11, 1975, he married Carlene (nee, Linsenman) Morris.
He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gladwin for 37 years and served as an usher for many years. For the past 2 ½ years, Donald has been a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch.
Donald was employed at the National Bank of Detroit from 1962-1977. Upon moving to Gladwin, MI in 1978, he worked for Mid Michigan Bank as Vice President of Indirect Lending Business Development, as well as First of America Bank Vice President. During his time at Mid Michigan Bank/First of America Bank, he was a member of the Private Industry Council, Region 7B Consortium for 13 years, chairman of Private Industry Council for 12 years, member of Executive and Finance Committees with Michigan Works! for 12 years, and treasurer of NAPIC Board of Directors in 1992. He served as President of Executive Committee of Michigan Works for 6 years. Donald was appointed by Governor James Blanchard to Michigan Job Training Council in 1989 and Michigan Council on Voc Ed for 3 years. He was a moderator and speaker at various state and national conferences.
Donald was the recipient of James H. Duncan Award for Performance Excellence from First of America Bank in 1991.
He was involved with the community and was a member of the Rotary Club in Gladwin, Kiwanis Club in Harrison, Gladwin Economic Development Committee, and chairman of Five County Bankers Association.
Donald was an official for 26 years for high school, college, and semi pro football, as well as high school baseball and basketball. He was an official with Macomb County Official Association and Midwest Pro Football League.
Donald and Carlene had a lot of fun visiting casinos and playing poker with Carol and Bill, Cliff and Judy, and Bob. He loved all of his family, 4 daughters, 7 stepsons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Donald is survived by his loving wife, Carlene Bischoff of West Branch; daughters, Barbara Bischoff, Laurie Bischoff, Kathy (Loren) Beaton, and Jeanette (Tom) Radcliffe; stepsons, Chris (Chy) Morris, Jeff (Merry) Morris, Tim (Kathy) Morris, James (Norma) Morris, Joseph (Tammy) Morris, and Carl (Claire) Morris; 29 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Line, adopted parents, Fred and Marion Bischoff, sister, Barbara Bischoff, brother, Byron Bischoff, and stepson, Jerome Morris.
Visitation will be held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Sunday, November 28, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic School or wishes of the family.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
