Donald (Don) Gary Schanz, age 82, of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026.
Don was born in St. Paul, MN on November 12, 1943 to Donald and Lorraine (Anitzberger) Schanz.
Don proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was wounded during his service. He loved to read and enjoyed boating and sailing, and traveling. He would sooner drive across the country vs. get on a plane (and did many times with his wife!); they actually got to visit all 50 states. Most of their trips included visiting family and friends along the way—a few hours out of the way just to be able to see someone and catch up was never an issue! He enjoyed watching birds and other wildlife from their back porch and deck, napping with his grandpuppies on his lap (even those that were not lap dogs!) and was a lover of his wife’s homemade chocolate chip cookies and coconut cream pie, and biscuits and gravy from the Grayling Restaurant, where he and his wife could be found most mornings.
Don worked many years at Weyerhaeuser in different plants in WI, MI, and NC, and was very proud, in particular, of his role in the start-up of the Grayling plant in the early 1980’s. Don was a great husband, father, brother, and son. He was always there for his family, willing to help and provide support in whatever way he could. He was so proud of his daughters and his wife.
Don will be fondly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Rae Ann Schanz; daughter, Tracy (Derrick) Christman; sister, Jodi (Chuck) Eithun; son-in-law, Jerry (Melissa Makowski) Daniels; grandchildren, Mandy (Chris) Kelly, Ryan Daniels; great-grandchildren, Lila Kelly and Finn Kelly; sisters-in-law, Mary Schneider and Jane Buechel; brothers-in-law, John Sauter and Tom Sauter and many nieces and nephews.
Don is preceded in death by daughter, Debbie Daniels; his parents; his parents-in-law, Jerry and Rose Sauter; sister and brother-in-law Linda (Bob) (Dennis Panzer, fiancé) Weinfurter; nephew, Mark Weinfurter; brothers-in-law, Donald Schneider, Robert Reckner and Bud Buechel; sister-in-law, Donna Sauter; and his favorite cousin, Jimmy Gibis.
Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Father Jerry Hunko, will take place Saturday, July 18, 2026, 10:00 am with visitation beginning 9:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grayling, MI. A luncheon will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Don to Disabled American Veterans, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association , or Hospice of Michigan. And special thanks go out to the VA, Aspen Ridge and ComForCare of Gaylord, and Hospice of Michigan, including the visiting volunteers of Hospice, and all of the many health care professionals and nurses who helped care for Don for many years and especially these last few months and days. You are so greatly appreciated.
Condolences can be shared with Don’s family at www.sorensonlockwood.com
Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.
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