Obituary of Donald J. Krapohl

KRAPOHL, Donald J. Sr.\ \ of Mt. Morris Township, age 78, died Friday, October 12, 2007 at Genesys Regional Medical Center. The Life Celebration service will take place 11:00am, Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the Miles Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris, with burial to follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday and Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 8:00pm, and on Thursday from 10:00am until time of service at 11:00am. Memorial donations may be considered to the Krapohl Senior Center or the Old News Boys. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.\ \ Don was born May 2, 1929 in Flint, Michigan the son of George and Myrtle (Smyth) Krapohl. He and Barbara Lanning were united in marriage June 23, 1951 in Flint. He was employed by the Michigan Central Rail Road as a telegrapher and station agent. Thereafter he was employed by Buick Motor Company in Quality Control. He served as Mt. Morris Township supervisor for 18 years, followed by four years as a contracted grants administrator. He then operated his own consulting service.\ \ During Don's career in public service he was involved in many elective and appointed offices at the federal, state, and local level. Some of the major activities included the Beecher Board of Education 1958-1971, serving as President, Vice President, and Trustee. He served Mt. Morris Township, from 1964-1988, holding the offices of Trustee and Supervisor. He has been a member of the Genesee County Economic Development Corp. from 1977 to the present, serving as the secretary. He served as Genesee County's Bicentennial coordinator and was extremely proud of the projects at Crossroads Village and the Huckleberry R.R. He served as a member of the Genesee County Parks Commission from 1972 through 1974. Don served twenty five years on the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission, twelve years as Chairperson. He was a member of the Mt. Morris Township Housing Commission from 1989 to 1994. He served several terms as Chairperson of the Mt. Morris Township area senior citizen Board of Directors. Former Gov. James Blanchard appointed Don to the National Association of Counties, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Commission, serving from 1983-1986. He served as a member of the Forward Development Corporation from 1978 to 1989. From 1972 to 1988 he served as a member of the Genesee County Water and Waste Division Advisory Committee. He was a founder of the Beecher Men's Club and twelve year coach in the Beecher Schools Little League Football Program. He was currently active in the Beecher Community Development Council. This synopsis represents many years of public service to the Mt. Morris Township and Genesee County Communities. \ \ In recognition of his contribution to the fire service he was named as an honorary member of both the Mt. Morris Township Central and Beecher Fire Departments. He was recognized again in 1987 with the naming of the Krapohl Senior Center in his honor. The Fraternal Order of Eagles, in 1989 presented him with their "Community Builder Awarda, the most prestigious honor given by this group. For many years he has been a member of Auto City Eagles Aerie #3485 and the American Legion Red Arrow Post #151.\ \ Don leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years Barbara,\ 2 Sons Donald J. Jr and wife Lisa, Joe and wife Lynda, \ 2 daughters Gail Miller and Glena Krapohl,\ 8 grandchildren: Donald J. Krapohl III (Emily), Jennifer Grimes (Russell), John and Matthew Krapohl, Heather McInerney (Chris), Heidi Owens (Jimmie), Jeremy Krapohl, and Benjamin Krapohl, \ 8 great grandchildren, 4 sisters, and one sister in law. \ \ He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 3 sisters. He was also preceded in death by his dog Bobo. \