Donald T. Langlois
Donald Langlois
MARQUETTE, MI – Donald T. “Donne” Langlois, age 62, of Marquette, passed away Friday evening, October 11, 2019, at Trillium Hospice House from complications of COPD. He passed in the loving, comforting care of his family, daughter, Jennifer; son, Kristopher; sister and brother-in-law, Liz and George; brother, Bill; and two of his closest friends, Steve Gustafson and Mike McNiel; Trillium staff and UP Home Health and Hospice caregivers.
Donne was born May 5, 1957, in Marquette, a son of William Paul and Dorothy (Tremewan) Langlois. He was raised in Marquette and graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1975, where he excelled in auto mechanic classes. However, beginning at age five, Donne started teaching himself to play the drums. At age 14, his mother had to sign permission for him to accompany bands playing at local bars who requested him. His passion for the drums continued for the rest of his life and he perfected his talent throughout the years. Following graduation, Donne’s passions for mechanical and musical artistry drew him to work throughout the years at Gaffy’s Standard Station, Public Service Garage, and with Dick Lutey at his businesses and dealerships. Working with the Lutey Family, Donne developed his love for Indian Motorcycles and memorabilia via Russ Lutey, a longtime friend.
In his younger years, Donne once dismantled a baby blue Ford Mustang. With pieces and parts strewn across the garage floor, he studied the situation, questioned, and then over time reassembled the car. It ran better than ever!
Donne was a member of the Musician’s Union.
Survivors include his children, Jennifer (Tom) Daugherty of Skandia, Kristopher Langlois of Gwinn, and Tanya (Ryan) O’Connor of Saginaw; his grandchildren, Shane, Andrew, Jackson, and Madilynn; his sister, Liz (George) Ellis of Marquette; brothers, Chuck (Kathy) Langlois of Cherry Hill, NJ, Roy (Nancy) Langlois of Canonsburg, PA, and Bill Langlois of Rochester, MN; and five nieces, Tracy E, Kelly, Tracy L., Lori, and Stephanie.
Donne was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ann Klingler; and a niece, Nicole Langlois.
Special thanks to Mr. Pat Bray, executive director, and Alicia Burgess, house manager, and all the staff and volunteers of Trillium House, for the special care given to Donne. Thanks also to UP Home Health and Hospice and their nursing staff, Erin and Dorothy, for their compassion and unwavering care of Donne and our family. Appreciation also to Mayo Clinic Oncology staff in Rochester, Minnesota, and office staff at Snowberry Heights, Marquette.
Honoring Donne’s request, a memorial celebration will be held at a later date when weather cooperates for long distance travelers and outside fanfare.
Please remit all cards and letters to Liz Ellis, 432 W. Michigan Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com