Donald James Courtney

Loving husband of Marysia, Donald James Courtney of Richland was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on October 7, 1946 and passed away in the evening of March 15, 2023.  Donald is the father of Janice Courtney and Paul (Emily) Courtney; grandfather of Calvin. Donald is survived by his 3 sisters; Sharon VanRavenswaay, Sandi (Jim) Fressel and Scharlene Vermeulen, as well as his brother-in-law Waldek (Teresa) Kalempa and his sister-in law Zosia (Juzek) Kosinski and several nieces and nephews.  Donald is the son of the late Donald Courtney and Minnie Flegel.

Donald was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, faithfully serving his country as a member of the United States Army from 1964 to 1967.  He proudly completed 2 active military tours in Vietnam.  After returning from Vietnam, Donald met his wife Marysia who was from Poland. They were married April 24, 1976 in St. Augustine’s Cathedral; Donald was then employed by the Upjohn Company for more than 23 years.  Donald was very proud of his military service and enjoyed deer, pheasant and goose hunting, as well as fishing and spending time with his family, friends, and especially looking forward to his visits with his precious grandson Calvin.  Donald met life with perseverance in any circumstance. He will be missed for his kind, helpful nature, senses of humor and devotion to his family. 

Donald's family will receive friends 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 22nd at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home &  Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.  Funeral services with full military honors will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 23rd at the Fort Custer National Cemetery.  The family will continue the celebration of Donald's life with a reception at the American Legion Post #465, 6101 S. 44th St, Climax, MI 49034 at 2:00 p.m..  In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Talons Out Honor Flight or the Southwest Michigan Veterans Relief Fund.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Donald may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.