Obituary for Donald E. Huber
Donald Edward Huber, a lifelong resident of Gladwin, passed away peacefully at The Brook of Gladwin on August 28, 2018. Don was born on November 7th, 1922 to Maude and Mathia Huber in Grout Township. Don was the youngest son in this family of eleven children Growing up, Don helped with the family farm, and according to his sisters, was often mischievous and the recipient of many spankings for his pranks. Don attended Gladwin High School where he was involved with the “Sparks” school newspaper, Student Council, Senior Play, and track. After graduating in 1940, Don helped his father at the Huber Dairy in downtown Gladwin. Wanting to travel and see the world, Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 12, 1942. After completing boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, IL, Don was sent to radio school for 4 months to learn Morse code, typing, procedure and theory, finally graduating Radioman Third Class. Don was one of eleven radiomen offered a volunteer position for “long and hazardous duty in a foreign land”, which he immediately accepted. After further training in Washington D.C., Don left for San Pedro, CA to board the SS Mark Hopkins to start his journey to China. After asea 30 days to Australia and another 28 to India, Don began the long overland journey to their base camp affectionately called “Happy Valley”, located outside of Chungking, the capital of China at the time. Here Don transmitted weather reports that helped stage invasions and raids on Japan, gather intelligence on Japanese ships, troops and supplies, and rescue downed American flyers. One memory Don often shared with his children was his dislike of Chinese food and how he ate a lot of eggs because they were “safe”. Don was Honorably Discharged on January 19, 1946 with a Radioman First Class rating and four ribbons. Don’s secret assignment was called the Sino-American Cooperative Organization (SACO). In 1942 Cmdr. Milton E. Miles was given the task to report to China to establish a weather reporting network, to prepare the China coast for projected amphibious landings 3-4 years hence, and in general, to do everything possible to harass the Japanese in China. “Mary” Milesforged a close work working relationship with General Tai Li, the head of Chiang Kai-shek’s secret police/intelligence organization, who led the Chinese Nationalist Party battling against a Communist and Japanese takeover. The SACO organization numbered approximately 3,000 men at the close of the war. Later on, it was learned that the U.S. Navy group that formed SACO was the only U.S. military unit under the command of another foreign country. After finishing his service in the war, Don returned to the states and attended Michigan State College, completing a course in Dairy Manufacturing in 1948. Don then returned to Gladwin and purchased the dairy business in 1949 so his father could retire. He eventually turned the dairy and ice cream parlor into Huber’s Restaurant. In 1974, Don sold the restaurant, which was later renamed the Peppermill. Don was also a well known dairy inspector for the State of Michigan for several years. He travelled between six counties inspecting local dairy farms and other venues that sold milk products. In 1951, Don went on a blind date where he met Mary Paxton. Soon after, they were married on February 16, 1952. In 1956, after having four of their seven children, Don helped build their dream home in the Woods subdivision which led to a lifetime friendship with the family of Jack and MaryLiz Woods, as well as the family of Joe and Doris Mehl. They all spent many happy years raising their children together. Don and Mary had recently celebrated their 66th Wedding anniversary in February 2018. During their marriage, Don and Mary had an active social life playing in bridge clubs, hosting parties and fulfilling Don’s dreams of traveling by visiting the British Isles, Ireland, France, Spain, Mexico, Alaska, and even going back to China. Don was also involved and served on many committees such as Rotary, the Centennial Committee, and helping with the 1960 Census. He was also on the Vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and served for several years on the Gladwin School Board some as president.He was preceded in death by his spouse, Mary Ellen Huber, in February of this year. He leavebehindhis loving children, Luann Udell (Jon), Sue VanDeventer (Tom), Mathias Huber (CindyPorrett), Amy Eagan (Mike), Jane Wetmore, Jennifer King, and Andy Huber (Marcy). He was a loving grandfather of Robin (Kevin), Doug, Joe (Charlyn), Ed (Abigail), John, Cole, Tony, Mike, Rourke, Ryan, Katie, Megan, Jeff and Sarah, as well as two great grandchildren: Moslee and Max. He also leaves his sisters Maxine Young and Patricia Priemer.Don’s family and friends have many fond memories of his playfulness and witty remarks, butone will always stay in our hearts; “See you later, alligator!” He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at Sisson Funeral Home on Friday, September 7th, 2018 from 2pm until 7pm In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that a donation be made to a hospice service of their choice. Don’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Brook of Gladwin and Compassus Hospice of West Branch for their outstanding care provided during Don’s time at The Brook.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
7
Sep
2:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home-Gladwin Chapel
135 N. Silverleaf
Gladwin, MI 48624
Cemetery Details
Location
Highland Cemetery
Buzzel & Cemetry Sts.
Gladwin, MI 48624
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