Donald Festerling left this world to meet his Lord on October 18, 2015. He passed away at Bay Bluff's Nursing Home in Harbor Springs at the age of 79. A devoted family man and a loyal friend and Christian, Don's family is so grateful to each and every one who showed kindness and offered prayers throughout his prolonged illness. Don was born on September 6th, 1936 in Bay City, Michigan, the first son to K.C. and Eleanor (Rich) Festerling.

He moved to the Petoskey area as a young boy and graduated from the Petoskey High School in 1954. Following his graduation, Don spent 6 years in the National Guard and completed his teaching degree at Northern Michigan University. He then spent 31 years as a high school wood shop and industrial arts teacher in the Petoskey school system and retired in 1998.

Don loved spending his time boating, doing woodwork, doing stain glass, restoring antique cars or attending car shows. He was active in The First Christian Church, where he was a Decon and served on several committees. One committee had him managing the church sponsored food booth at the Emmet County Fair.


Don and his wife Thelma Bachelor were married 52 years before she preceded him in death in 2005. He is survived by his two children. and their spouses; 4 grandchildren; his 3 brothers and their spouses; and also, his many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held where Don and Thelma were married in 1957––at The First Christian Church––with Pastor Jeff Watton and Pastor Jim Mort officiating. Interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery. Friends and family wishing to honor Don's memory with a charitable contribution are asked to consider The First Christian Church of Petoskey or The Petoskey Education Foundation.


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Parents:
K. C. Festerling (1910 - 1977)
Eleanore Rich Festerling (1915 - 2008)

Spouse:
Thelma Ann Bachelor Festerling (1936 - 2009)

Source: Greenwood Cemetery Obituary; Petoskey, MI

Donald C. Festerling Headstone

Festerling Cemetery Plot