Donald A. Hall

Don was born November 26, 1926, in Flint, Michigan, one of three children born to the late Trevor and Beatrice Alvah (Cady) Hall and was a graduate of Flint High School.

Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. Following his discharge from active duty, Don then attended Michigan State University achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and later achieved a Master’s Degree in physics also from MSU.

Don was employed as a professor at Grand Valley State University from 1963 until his retirement in 1992. He was instrumental in forming Grand Valley State in its infancy. He also served on the D.J. Angus, a research boat for the Great Lakes at Grand Valley where he served as a research scientist.

In his free time, Don loved carving half hulls, cross country skiing and hiking. He enjoyed spending some winters in Florida.

Despite today’s climate, Don left this troubled world a better place for hundreds of students, colleagues, friends and family. By passing on his knowledge and solid resolve, he made each of us stronger and better prepared to face today’s challenges, his gift to each of us to use if we chose to do so.

Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Marie Hall of Marquette; one son, Pete Hall of Big Bay, MI; two step-daughters, Kerri (Judd) Schuiling of Marquette and Debra Klotz of Carlsbad, CA; three grandchildren, Mary (Michael) Czaplewski, Sean W. Cummiskey and Sarah (Galen) Humpula; four great- grandchildren; also one sister, Dorothy Ozanich of Flint and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his parents was his first wife, Joan and a brother, Trevor Hall.

A private family service was held with burial to take place at a later date.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Grand Valley State University Department of Physics, 1 Campus Dr, Allendale Charter Twp, MI 49401 or the Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE First Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 in Don’s memory.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services where memories of Don may be shared at canalefuneral.com.