Donald W. Antonetti

Donald was born on Sept. 25, 1939, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Alfred and Margaret (Caruso) Antonetti.

He graduated from Iron Mountain High School as class president in 1957. He then attended Northern Michigan University where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education.

Don married the love of his life, Nancy Couveau, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain on June 8, 1963.

He began his teaching career at Vulcan High School where he also coached various sports, including a Class E U.P. State Championship team in cross country. Don then taught at Iron Mountain Public Schools for 34 years, focusing his career on drafting and math. Additionally, he taught night classes, where he shared his passion for woodworking.

For those who have had the privilege to know him, it can be agreed that whether he was in a classroom or not, Don was always teaching others. As a devout Catholic, his strong faith showed in the way he lived his daily life. He enjoyed bowling in his earlier years, hunting, trout fishing, and playing bocce — all passions that he passed on through years of lessons and traditions with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

He also enjoyed playing golf frequently with his good friend, Gale Tedeschi. He could often be found spending quality time with his family at Camp Antwa where he loved supervising projects with his sons and son-in-law that put his years of drafting and woodworking skills to use.

He and his wife, Nancy, enjoyed many years of travel and spending the winter months in Orlando, Fla., where they made countless memories with friends. He was a loyal and long suffering Detroit Lions fan, who now has the perfect seat to watch the Lions win the Super Bowl this year. He enjoyed playing smear with his fellow retired teachers and never saw a hand he could not bid on.

No matter where he was, laughter and Donald jokes were sure to be heard. Don was always bringing people together and was quick to make sure everyone felt welcome, and in moments when life was hard, he never complained and always prayed. To the very last days of his life, his family watched as he continued to remain steadfast in his faith. He lived his life in such a way that even as it was coming to an end, the legacy that he built, allowed others to continue being touched by who he was. The very last words he left us with on this earth were, “I’m free.”

And so, as Mr. Antonetti’s final lesson, we are taught that no test in life is too difficult to pass so long as you face it with kindness in your heart and unwavering faith.

He is survived by his sons, David Antonetti of Kingsford and Daniel (Konya) Antonetti of Reedsburg, Wis.; his daughter, Diane (Chris) Wilcox of Quinnesec; siblings, Joanne Schetter and Karen (Ron) Gendron; grandchildren, Stephanie (Austin) Lucas, Cammie (Josh) Bergman, Luke (Angelica) Antonetti, Tony Antonetti, Elizabeth Harrison and Ethan and Toby Wilcox; great-grandchildren, Josephine, Royce, Rosalie, and Koga; sisters-in-law, Joan Witte, Jean Mosley, June Machus, Judy Valente, and Amy (Bill) Dale; brothers-in-law, Joseph (Sandy) Couveau and Jeff (Barbara) Couveau.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Antonetti; his sister, Sharon, and brother-in-law, Gary Clifford; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Witte, Pete Machus, Skip Mosley, Gary Schetter, and Joseph Valente; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Bill Larch; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and John Couveau.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Kristi Olson for her compassionate care over the last several years, as well as Optalis Health & Rehabilitation of Kingsford for their recent care.

Visitation will be from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash funeral home in Iron Mountain. The Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by Fr. Mark McQueston at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Burial will take place at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.