Donald "Don" Edwin Limer, 88, of Traverse City and formerly of Detroit and Milwaukee, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, with loving family at his side.
Don was born March 6, 1936, in McLean, Illinois, to the late William "Buck" Robert and Mary Irene (Powell) Limer. He left farm work behind and served his country in the United States Air Force from 1956 through 1959, working as a control operator at the 676th radar squadron of the Antigo Air Force Station in WI. It was here he met the love of his life, the late Lois Regina McPhail. On September 28, 1957, Don and Lois married and began a loving partnership for 63 years.
After leaving the military, Don worked a number of different positions in the insurance industry, from sales to claims adjuster. In 1971, with encouragement from his wife, Don began a journey to get his college and law degrees at night while continuing to work full-time and raise five children. After graduating from the Detroit College of Law in 1975 he embarked on a distinguished career as an attorney, opening a successful practice in the Detroit area helping plaintiffs obtain workers' compensation they had been denied.
In April 1997, after 22 years as an attorney, Don moved on to a position as a federal administrative law judge for the Social Security Administration until his retirement. He served in Detroit MI, Long Beach CA, and finally in Milwaukee WI. Don was well known for his fairness, wisdom, and ability to comfort and uplift those around him.
In their spare time, Don and Lois shared a passion for woodworking, particularly carving decoy ducks, music stands, clocks, and cradles for their grandchildren. His love for craftsmanship and attention to detail was evident in everything he did.
Don is survived by his brother Duncan Limer and sister Teddi Wheeler and by his beloved children, David (Mary) Limer, Cheryl Miller, Timothy (Barbara) Limer, Daniel (Bonnie) Limer, and Jonathan Limer, as well as twelve cherished grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, his wife Lois, and his son-in-law Jeff Miller.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am at Saint Francis Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 with a visitation starting at 10am. A Rite of Committal will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery later in the year.
Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of one's choice in Don's honor. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Don's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .