Donald Blumenschine

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald (Don) Blumenschine of Suttons Bay announces his passing on Saturday, June 27th at the age of 85 years. His family was blessed to be by his side. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Norma, and his three daughters Lynn (Mark) Blumenschein of Bellbrook, OH, Lisa (Kirk) Keaffaber of Ottawa Hills, OH, and Laura Dershaw of Powell, OH. Don will also be fondly remembered by his four grandchildren, Ryan Blumenschein, Kelly (Michael) Coughlin, Scott Keaffaber, and Lilly Dershaw, three great grandchildren, Nicholas and Chase Blumenschein, and Lennox Coughlin, his sisters Doris Sorgen, Linda (Hank) Zobrist of Ketting, OH, and brother Carl (Donna) of Marysville, OH. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, John Sorgen. Don was born November 18, 1934 in Kenton, OH to the late Edward Blumenschine and Elizabeth Brenner. He was a 1953 graduate of Kenton High School, then he served in the Air Force for four years. During this time, he met Norma. After they married, they settled in Toledo where they raised their family. Don worked in sales and started Office Products Plus, which he operated with his wife for 25 years. Following this, they moved to Suttons Bay, MI and owned and operated Open Window’s Bed & Breakfast, during which time he worked for the local school system. Upon retirement, Don and Norma moved to their forever home just outside of Suttons Bay that their family would always cherish and love to visit. Don spent time enjoying his hobbies. He had a passion for traveling the world with his wife and family, visiting 20 different countries (some twice!). He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed watching his Ohio State Buckeyes. Don loved to feed and watch birds in his beautiful flower gardens and yard. Don was an active member of his church, Suttons Bay Congregational, and the community, which included volunteering at the Grand Traverse Men’s Shed, Suttons Bay Library, as well as an active member at Inland Seas Education Association. Don had a contagious, sometimes uncontrollable, laugh which was unforgettable to those who had the joy of experiencing it. He enjoyed a good Manhattan and had a gift for judging coleslaw. Most importantly, he loved to surround himself with his growing family. A memorial service at Suttons Bay Congregational Church will be forthcoming after public restrictions have eased. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts in his honor to the Suttons Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 or the Grand Traverse Men’s Shed, 3171 Lamp Post Lane, Traverse City, MI 49685. Please share a memory with Don’s family by visiting his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family.

Donald Blumenschine

November 18, 1934 - June 27, 2020