Donald Thomas Featherstone, Jr.

Tom was born May 19, 1958, in Detroit, to Donald and Joyce (Botsford) Featherstone, and graduated from Clawson High School, Class of 1976. He married, Linda Raona, on November 9, 1979 and together they raised their three children; Tom, Dan, and Lisa. In 1988, Tom and Linda pursued their dream of living in the “Northwoods” and moved to Negaunee where Tom worked in sales at American TV in Marquette. After earning his real estate license, Tom spent a few years working as a realtor before starting his own business as a drywall and painting contractor where he took pride in attention to detail and doing things right the first time.

Tom was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Palmer, as well as, St. Paul Catholic Church in Negaunee. Tom was selfless, loved sharing his many talents to help others, and in his free time enjoyed volunteering.

During his tenure as a member of various civic organizations, Tom volunteered for the Negaunee High School Band Backers, served in the Negaunee Lions Club for over 30 years, as well as, the Michigan Bow Hunters Association, both of which he served as president.

Tom spent many winters helping his best friend, Steve Krook, maintain the famous “Krook’s Sledding Hill” on Neejee Road, in Negaunee Township, which provided many hours of winter entertainment for families and friends.

Over the past 10 years, Tom was an active member of the Richmond Township Community Club where he volunteered at the annual fishing derby and used his contracting talents to renovate and update “The Club”.

As a gifted Bugler, Tom was a member of the Ishpeming Blue Notes Drum and Bugle Corps for over 15 years. Although Tom was not a veteran, he had a thirst for patriotism as he graciously honored those who served by sounding Taps for many military honors events and veterans’ funerals including Memorial Day at the Gwinn and Bakkala Cemeteries and Marquette Ellwood Mattson Park, National Day at Old Ish in downtown Ishpeming, and Veterans Day at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

Past participants of the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike and the Noquemanon Cross Country Ski Races may remember hearing Tom’s bugle start the race and as well as cheer on the racers at various checkpoints throughout the event. Behind the scenes, Tom assisted in preparing the Lion’s Club Aid Stations, helped clean-up the trail, and was an integral part to the Pasta Feed the eve of the race.

Tom enjoyed hosting an annual Corn Roast with close friends and family every August on the family property, outdoor adventures, traveling, photography, horticulture, hunting, fishing, taking Saunas, and bird watching.

Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 42 years, Linda Featherstone; two sons, Tom (Melinda) Featherstone of Kent, WA and Dan (Krista Fuller) Featherstone of Gwinn; his daughter, Lisa (Don) Barr of Rancho Cordova, CA; his four grandchildren: Alexis Adams, Jayden, Chase, and Dominic Featherstone; his sisters: Dawn (Dave) Perry and Jill (Dave) Sosnowski; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon, on Monday, September 27, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee, with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 AM, until the start of Mass at Noon, at the church on Monday, with a luncheon immediately following Mass, in the St. Paul School Gymnasium.

Tom’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Michael Grossman, his nurse Kathleen Lynch, and the remainder of the staff at UP Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care.

Tom lived his life, and would encourage others to do the same, by the following quote:

“There is no try, you do.”

Tom’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.