Donald Glen Block, of Manistee, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the age of 94.

Don was born on March 25, 1931, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, to Bernard and Florence (Niesen) Block.
Don attended Manistee High School and served his country with honor as a tank commander in the Korean War, receiving his honorable discharge in 1954. After his service, he was a dedicated employee of Manistee Iron Works until the company closed its doors in 1981.

On November 5, 1955, Don married the love of his life, Carol Lynn Benson, at Faith Covenant Church in Manistee. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage before Carol's passing in 2018.

Don was a man who found great joy in the simple, rewarding work of nature. He loved hunting and fishing, but his true passion was his amazing vegetable and flower gardens, which he diligently planted and cultivated each season. Second only to his gardens was the time he spent with his five children and many grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol; his parents, Ben and Florence; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Merle and Norma, John and Diane, Neil and Elaine, and Bruce and Janice; and his grandson, Blake.

His memory will be forever cherished by his five children: Kay Turkaleski of Manistee, Debra Kupp (Gary Johnston) of Elburn, Illinois, Peggy Stone of St. Joseph, Michigan, Jay (Sue) Block of Lowell, Michigan, and Lisa (Greg) Wilson of Northglenn, Colorado.

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: David (Jessica Bowser) Turakleski, Eric (Randi Jo) Turkaleski, Ryan (Kelli) Turkaleski, Stephanie (Paul Fillis) Bockman, Meghan Christoffel, Dustin Stone, Alex (Hillary) Block, Travis Bergy (Lance) and Benjamin, Colton, and Cooper Wilson.

Don was a proud great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren: Dimtri and Daran Turkaleski, Cole and Collin Bockman, Olivia and Natalie Chrsitoffel, and Benson and Jacob Block.

Don leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, including his dear friends Betty and Clarence Sullivan of Manistee and Jim and Sally Hoornstra of Cedar Springs, Michigan.


A celebration of Don's life will be held at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The Service will begin at 11:00 AM, officiated by Crystal Falk. A luncheon for family and friends will be served immediately following the service, providing an opportunity to gather and share wonderful memories of Don. Military Honors will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery at 1:15 PM.

"The family extends their deepest love and gratitude to the amazing nurses, aides, and all the wonderful people at the Manistee Medical Care Facility who cared for Don as if he were their own family. They also thank everyone who offered prayers to comfort and strengthen the family during this difficult time. Their kindness made all the difference."