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1938 Donald 2020

Donald B. Quada

March 25, 1938 — September 17, 2020

Donald Barrett Quada, 82 of Battle Creek and formerly of Marshall, died Thursday, September 17, 2020 at his home.

Don was born on March 25, 1938 to Edward B. and Virginia B. (Cook) Quada five minutes after his identical twin brother Ron. They were frequently referred to as the “Quada Twins” growing up in Marshall. Don and Ron joined the family following brother Fred and sister Joyce. With the birth of younger brothers Ray, Roy and Roger, their home was full of activity and a multitude of antics!

Don’s modest childhood was filled with mischief and fun with brothers Fred and Ron as well as their neighborhood buddies. They spent many hours exploring, displaying paratrooper skills jumping from the hayloft onto a mattress in their barn clubhouse headquarters. Outdated candy retrieved from the alley behind the local dime store, canned peaches and cherries smuggled from the family basement and cigarettes from club member’s unsuspecting parents were enjoyed during club gatherings!  Many days were spent on the banks of Rice Creek aka as BAB. Ron and Don held their annual birthday (March 25th) dive into the icy waters of Rice Creek for many years in their youth!

Don attended St. Mary Catholic School, Marshall Public Schools and graduated from Marshall High School in 1957.

On October 26, 1957, he married Shirley Louise Sommers at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Don was employed with a wide range of jobs throughout his life. In 2001, he retired from Walker Manufacturing.

Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, softball, golfing, a cold beer, a perfectly grilled “rare” steak, family genealogy, a good night of karaoke with friends and family, cooking, gardening, James Patterson novels, collecting and sharing beer steins and garage sale treasures, music, playing cards and cribbage.

His quick wit lead to endless jokes and good-hearted pranks with everyone he shared time with.  Don enjoyed many winters in Lakeland, Florida after retiring.

He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member also serving as Grand Knight and District Deputy assisting five Knights of Columbus districts. Don was an avid advocate of the Knights of Columbus state level support of the Special Olympics program by selling over $1,000 worth of Tootsie Rolls annually. He was recognized twice for the highest sales of all Knights of Columbus members in the state of Michigan. Perhaps one of his most rewarding projects was in spearheading and establishing the Marshall Knights of Columbus Scholarship Program. The scholarship began without any financial resources. Don, along with his friend and fellow Knight Gus Groat organized multiple raffle ticket sales to support the effort. The scholarship currently provides 3-$1,000 scholarships annually to young adults.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley, daughters Marcia (David) Jenks, Colleen (Dean) Campbell, grandchildren Alison (Tim) Pifer, Adam (Elyse) Jenks, Maya Campbell, great grandchildren Lillian, Mason and Judson Pifer, brothers Fred, Ron (Charlene), Roy (Dawn)and Roger (Debbi) Quada, brother in law David DeShon, sister in law Barbara (John) Carpenter, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father/mother in law Lloyd and Marian Sommers, sister Joyce DeShon and brother Ray Quada, sister in laws Janice, Kathy, Beverly and Dorothy Quada, Patricia Sommers, brother in laws Donald and Eugene Sommers.

Don chose to donate his body for medical research and education.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family memorial mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are requested for the Knights of Columbus scholarship program and may be mailed to:

Knights of Columbus, Attn:  Scholarship, 1262 Arms Street, Marshall, MI 49068.

Checks payable to:  Knights of Columbus, please note “Scholarship” in the memo details.

For assistance, contact Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N, Marshall,MI  49068.

www.kempffuneralhome.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald B. Quada, please visit our flower store.

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