Donald Remi Bellinger

Elk Rapids –On December 28, 2015, with the same dignity and grace with which he lived his life, Donald R. Bellinger, 89 of Elk Rapids, passed away at his daughter's home surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born May 29, 1926 in Boyne City to the late Charles and Alice (McNeal) Bellinger. He attended Charlevoix High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University where he received his Masters Degree in Education.

He married Barbara Todd on September 10, 1947 at the Charlevoix Congregational Church. They settled in Elk Rapids in 1953. He was employed by the Elk Rapids Public Schools for 35 years as a teacher and high school principal. Don was very active in the community as a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and a Life Member of the Michigan High School Principals Association. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing in the church choir, Harbor Voices and community cantatas. An avid golfer, Don played the game his entire life. His strong faith was not only reflected by the way he lived his life, but also in the many poems he wrote throughout the years.

Don served his country in the United States Navy (1944 to 1946) during World War II. He was commissioned on the USS Birmingham as a radar and heavy gun operator, where he saw action at both Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Don was preceded in death by his biological father Ted Beugnot; parents Charles Bellinger and Alice Bellinger; brother Joseph Bellinger and son-in-law Vern White.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Bellinger of Elk Rapids; daughters Sara (Mike) Warner of Wallace, MI, Judy (Mike) Husby of Kewadin; grandchildren Jennifer (Justin) Shupp, Lisa (John) Hanmer, Christopher (Sarina) White, Amy White, Marie (Ben) Slater, Matt Husby, Mason Husby and Monica Husby; great-grandchildren Ethan, Caitlin, Jaxon, Laurel, Morgan and Ashley.

A celebration of Don's life will be held January 17, 2016 at 2 p.m.; at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. Reverend Tom Cook will officiate.
Visitation from 1:00 p.m. until time of service.

As per Don's wishes, please consider memorial donations to First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding NE, Ada, MI 49301.