Obituary of Donald Unsel
Age 82, of Clio, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023, at home with his family by his side. In accordance with Donald’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There are no further services scheduled at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Donald’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.
Donald was born in Flint on March 2, 1940, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James and Francis (Raden) Unsel. Donald met and married Julie Hyde, on September 14, 1999. Donald worked on the Assembly Line for GM-Buick for 30 years, until his retirement in 2002. He was a long-time member of UAW Local #599. At the age of just two years old, Donald moved into his grandparents’ home, where he was loved and cared for by them his entire life. Tinkering on cars was his passion. He could modify and fix anything on any old car, with small engine repair being his specialty. Donald loved to go fishing on the Great Lakes as well as the Saginaw Bay with his best friend. He also enjoyed bird hunting. He was a skilled marksman and could shoot anything out of the air. In his free time, Donald enjoyed shooting pool and playing cards. He had a tremendous love for all animals, but his dogs, Boomer and Carly, were like his children. He would cook them dinner on a regular basis. Donald was a very friendly man and would do anything to help others. Donald enjoyed spending time with his family and had a very close relationship with his children and stepchildren. He saw no difference in any of them, they were all his own. He also loved his grandchildren and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Left to cherish Donald's memory are his wife, Julie Unsel; children: Dawn Unsel (Jackie Buckley), Andrea Unsel, and Nancy Penney, Aaron, and wife, Tonnie Unsel, Melissa Unsel, Ronald Swank; step-children: Anthony Gates, Dennis Gates, and Tina and husband, Richard Waters; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; brother, J.W. "Dud" Unsel; sister, Carol, and many other family members and friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Arvil and Thomas; sisters: Nadine, Lucille, Verna, and Mary Joyce.
