Donald Hare
July 17, 1936 - August 14, 2024
Obituary
Donald “Don” Louis Hare, age 88, of Saginaw, passed away at home while surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The son of Chris and Lucille (Willson) Hare, Don was born July 17, 1936, in Saginaw, Michigan. He married Rita Krzciok on July 19, 1958, and together they shared 65 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on December 30, 2023.
Don graduated from Saginaw High in 1955. He went on to obtain his degree in education at Central Michigan University and taught for 13 years at Garber High School in Essexville. During his teaching years, he became a County Commissioner. Don ended his teaching career and became the Congressional Aid for Congressman Bob Traxler for 18 years. He was then appointed by President Bill Clinton as the State of Michigan Director of Rural Development for the USDA, where he served for 8 years. In his off time and in retirement, Don loved a round of golf, bowling, swimming at the YMCA, and enjoying his Euchre and bridge card clubs.
Don is survived by his loving children, Jennifer Howell, Pam (Scott) Minnich, Chris (Debra) Hare, Peggy (Doug Stewart) Hudson; adored grandchildren, Joe (Jaylyn) Karas, Lexie Karas, John Minnich, Hailey Minnich, Jacob Hare, Nicholas Hare, and Jared Hudson; great grandchild, Harper Karas; brother, Ernest (Barbara) Hare; sisters-in-law, Donna Krzciok, Carol Krzciok and Arlene Hare; brother-in-law, John (Marge) Krzciok; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Joan Marx, Harry Hare, Donna Prange, Marvin Hare, and Allen Hare; son-in-law, Russell Howell; and his parents.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Service at 12:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602. Tori Little will officiate. Interment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Saginaw.
Memorials in honor of Don may be made to CAN Council, 1311 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602 or to Underground Railroad, 5647 State Street, Suite A, Saginaw, MI 48603.
For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
Don graduated from Saginaw High in 1955. He went on to obtain his degree in education at Central Michigan University and taught for 13 years at Garber High School in Essexville. During his teaching years, he became a County Commissioner. Don ended his teaching career and became the Congressional Aid for Congressman Bob Traxler for 18 years. He was then appointed by President Bill Clinton as the State of Michigan Director of Rural Development for the USDA, where he served for 8 years. In his off time and in retirement, Don loved a round of golf, bowling, swimming at the YMCA, and enjoying his Euchre and bridge card clubs.
Don is survived by his loving children, Jennifer Howell, Pam (Scott) Minnich, Chris (Debra) Hare, Peggy (Doug Stewart) Hudson; adored grandchildren, Joe (Jaylyn) Karas, Lexie Karas, John Minnich, Hailey Minnich, Jacob Hare, Nicholas Hare, and Jared Hudson; great grandchild, Harper Karas; brother, Ernest (Barbara) Hare; sisters-in-law, Donna Krzciok, Carol Krzciok and Arlene Hare; brother-in-law, John (Marge) Krzciok; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Joan Marx, Harry Hare, Donna Prange, Marvin Hare, and Allen Hare; son-in-law, Russell Howell; and his parents.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Service at 12:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602. Tori Little will officiate. Interment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Saginaw.
Memorials in honor of Don may be made to CAN Council, 1311 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602 or to Underground Railroad, 5647 State Street, Suite A, Saginaw, MI 48603.
For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
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Memories
JH
Judy Willson Hornak
Other •
The loss of a father cannnot be measured, only shared with you by those who deeply care, we care, hugs
Ken & Judy Willson Hornak
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Connie Gottschalk
Other •
Uncle Don was so much to all of us. When I was young he was the fun Uncle who pretended to remove his thumb and made us scream to put it back. He was the teacher who helped me with my school work and taught me how to drive. When we went to the Democratic Convention he had me sit next to him and he explained everything to me. Always there with a helping hand, he helped John get an internship for college with the Bay County Administrator. When we were adopting our Johnny from Paraguay, he got us a Spanish speaking lawyer to help correspond with the lawyer in Paraguay and he called the embassy to get things moving when we ran into a snag. Uncle Don could tell the best stories and you could hear them over and over and they still made you laugh. I am sure you are making my mom and Gramma laugh right now! You will be missed! Love you forever, Connie & John Gottschalk
JF
John & Marge Krzciok and family
Other •
John & Marge Krzciok and family purchased the Floor Plant for Sympathy for the family of Donald "Don" Louis Hare.
JC
Judge Terry L. Clark
Other •
Judge Terry L. Clark lit a candle in memory of Donald “Don” Hare
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Dennis and Nancy Schwartz
Other •
Nancy and I pause to reflect on the passing of our dear friend Don Hare with sadness but overflowing with fond memories. I was privileged to work alongside Don for twelve years in the office of the late Congressman Bob Traxler. For my young self, Don was a mentor and role model whose influence came second only to that of my father. Don imparted his passion for politics, which he took seriously but also believed should be fun, along with his belief that working in government was a noble calling in service to others. Don performed his responsibilities with decency, integrity, and respect. We remember his warm and welcoming nature and how his good humor would frequently surface with a devilish twinkle in his eye coupled with his infectious laughter. With Don, our laughter was always genuine at his familiar oft told jokes. Don’s legacy is certainly his family whom he kept centered to his being and who have our heartfelt sympathy. For those of us fortunate to have been his colleague and grateful to have been his friend, his memory will always hold a special place for us as well.
Dennis and Nancy Schwartz
East Lansing