Donald O. Stille

Donald was born in Gwinn on May 31, 1923, a son of the late Hilma (Overmark) and Otto Stille. He grew up with his 7 brothers and sisters in Gwinn, and was a graduate of the Gwinn High School, Class of 1941. He had moved to Negaunee in the early 1940’s and was employed by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. As a member of “the greatest generation”, Don served in the mountains of Northern Italy with the 10th Mountain Division in the U.S. Army during World War II, and received the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars along with 1 overseas service bar.

Upon his honorable discharge from the service, Don returned to Negaunee and married the love of his life Evelyn Berg on August 31, 1946. Donald continued his working career with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. retiring as a General Forman in the Maintenance Dept. from the Republic Mine in 1982. Memberships included, St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years, Wawonowin Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing, Ishpeming Elks Lodge #447 and the Ishpeming VFW, both of which he did volunteer work at along with the VASA Lodge and the Greenwood American Legion Post #114.

Donald is survived by a daughter, Jean (Ronald) Downey of Negaunee, a son, Gary (Kimberly) Stille, a brother, William Stille of Jackson, 4 grandchildren – Brady (Marci) Downey, Kevin (Lisa) Downey, Bradley (Nicole) Stille, and Kelli Stille, 7 great grandchildren – Quinn, Caden, Madison, Gavin and Morgan Downey, Ashley and Hannah Stille, a special nephew Gerry Stille along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and family from Finland.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Stille on Oct 7, 2018, sisters and brothers – Lillian Heij, Leonard S. Stille, Wynard Stille, G. Ray Stille, Helen St. Andre, Gertrude Calloway.

Per Don’s Wishes, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Christian Flagstadt officiating with Military Honors accorded by the United States Army, UP Funeral Honors Team at the conclusion of the Mass. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Columbarium.

Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1889 Prairie Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849 or at ishpemingcatholic.com or to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame, PO Box 191, Ishpeming, MI 49849 or at skihall.com

Donald’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.