Obituary: Donald R. Rosenberger

As received from the Ryan Funeral Home: 

Donald R. Rosenberger passed away on April 26, 2024, at the Omega House where he’d been a resident for a little over one year.

Don was born on February 20, 1937, in a log cabin in Fulton, MI.  He was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Verbanac) Rosenberger.

He attended Mohawk and Calumet Schools, graduating with the 1955 Calumet High School class.  Don took part in ROTC all four of his high school years.  His son, Don Jr. continued this ROTC tradition. 

On August 11, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Shirley (nee Cook).  They enjoyed 62 years of marriage before Shirley preceded him in death just a month before their 63rd wedding anniversary.  Don recalled sitting on the (Mohawk) fence counting cars with a buddy when Shirley asked him out.

Don and Shirley made their home in Fulton where they raised their three children.  Don Jr. (predeceased Don Sr. in 1975 at the age of 18), Rhonda (Kevin) Rogan, grandson Patrick (Kim), great granddaughters Riley and Ava; daughter Roberta, granddaughter Danielle and great grandson Gabriel.  Don is also survived by his sister Sheila (Henry) Hoefferle and their family; his sisters in law Mary and Nancy and their families, as well the children of Barbara, Sharon and Joseph.  Don was predeceased by his parents, his sister Sharon and brother Joseph, sister in law Barbara. 

We always said that he had sawdust in his blood as his entire career was in the sawmill business.  He began working at the mill just outside of Mohawk (Goodman at the time).  Don started in the lumber yard, then educated himself on how to grade lumber, worked his way through the mill operating all the machinery until he was made mill manager.  He held that position until Louisiana Pacific (LP) decided to close the mill in the mid-1980s.

It wasn’t long before he was offered the mill manager position at Conner Sawmill in Baraga.  He retired from the now known as Besse Forest Products (formerly Connor) at the age of 75.  If his mobility wasn’t an issue, he would’ve gone back to work following Shirley’s death.

Don sat on the Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners for many years.  He was also instrumental in the development of Keweenaw Pines.

We would like to thank the Omega House staff for the care our dad received.  He gained quite the following during the time he was there.  His mind remained sharp as did his quick wit.

At his request, he will be cremated and there will be no funeral/visitation.