Don Parling
WATERSMEET, MI – Don Parling, age 89, a resident of Watersmeet, MI since 1993, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 22, 2026 at the Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, WI. Don was born in Ithaca, MI on July 14, 1936 to Vern and Cordie Parling. He married his wife Dianne on May 22, 1993 in Houghton, MI.
Don had extensive experience at several Upper Peninsula schools as a school administrator. He was also a track and field coach.
Don enjoyed hunting with his Brittany dogs and being in the outdoors. He was a sports fan who enjoyed Michigan State, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions.
Don proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 8 years.
Don was preceded in death by his parents: Vern and Cordie Parling; sisters: Betty, Marge and Donna; and brothers: Melvin, Jack and Dick.
Don is survived by his wife: Dianne Parling; children: Andrew (Beth) Parling, Jill (Norman) Chambers, Gus (Karey) Parling, Ben (Jessica) Parling, Ryan (Jessica) Castle, and Colin (Susan) Castle; grandchildren: Jenna Chambers, Nicholas Chambers, Olivia Parling, Spencer Andree, Murray Andree, Alexandria Castle, Autumn Castle, Bristol Parling, and Skylar Castle; other family; and many friends.
Private family services were already held.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com