Donald Joseph Fassbender, Jr.
MARQUETTE, MI – We mourn the loss of Donald Fassbender, Jr, age 37, who passed away July 22, 2023, in Gwinn, where he had been a resident for a short time.
Donald was born March 21, 1986, in Marquette, Michigan, to Michelle (Burns) Ellis and Don Fassbender. Donald endured open-heart surgery when he was just a few days old and was considered by many to be a miracle child. He was raised by his paternal grandparents; Cynthia and Dan Fassbender, Sr., spending most of his life in their loving care. His family knew there would be many challenges ahead but remained committed to providing the best life for him.
He attended Bothwell Middle School and graduated from Marquette Senior High School, where he met some lifelong friends. Donald was a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and St. Christopher Catholic Church. He loved going to service and visiting with his fellow parishioners. Dinner at the former Bonanza Restaurant after church service Saturday nights with family and friends was a favorite activity. He enjoyed Barney and Kid Songs videos, music of all kinds, dancing, teasing the people in his life, and giving out the best hugs.
Donald is survived by his parents; grandfather Robert Burns of Marquette, sister; Ashley (Jeremy) Spilman of Spearfish, South Dakota, and three half-sisters; Brittany Ellis and Cassie Ellis, both of Big Bay, and Nina Fassbender of Marquette, several aunts and uncles; Colleen Fassbender and Dan Fassbender, Jr., both of Marquette; Doug Burns of Gaylord, MI, Deb (Mike) Westcott of Cheboygan, MI, and Rick (Brandy) Burns of Adams, WI, niece; Kylie Seeley, nephews; Brett Fassbender, Hunter, Joshua, and Cooper Dagenais, cousin; Breanna (Vince) Butler of Farmington, CT and several more cousins and great-cousins; several great-aunts and great-uncles.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Cynthia and Dan Fassbender, Sr., and grandmother; Marlene Burns, cousin; Danielle Fassbender; and uncle; Theodore Thomas.
The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Saturday, July 29, beginning at 9:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am with Donald’s friend, Rev. Jeff Johnson as celebrant. Escorts will be Don Fassbender, Sr., Dan Fassbender, Jr., Daniel Fassbender III, Vinnie Fassbender, Thomas Kownacki, and Rick Burns.
A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date.
Donald’s family and friends will always cherish the memories created during his life. His infectious laughter, bright smile, and generous hugs brightened the dullest of days. He will always be remembered for his unyielding love for his family, he will forever be etched on our hearts. Donald touched the lives of all who were fortunate to know him. He lived a challenging yet loving life and touched the hearts of many.
Memorials may be directed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.