Donald Pertler

PERTLER, Donald Roy - Age 94, of Swartz Creek, passed peacefully into the Lord's presence, Sunday, June 4, 2023. His friend and loving wife Joyce held his hand as he “finished the race” of a good life. "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful… Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:21). Funeral services will be held 3 PM Friday, June 9, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek with Rev. Dan Bowman officiating. Don will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, Gaines next to his first wife Violet. Visitation will be held 1:30 PM - 3 PM Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's name to the Swartz Creek United Methodist Church 7400 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Don was born April 10, 1929, to Aloysius and Lucille (Ogden) Pertler in Flint. He moved to Gaines in 1941 where he met his future wife, Violet. Don graduated from Gaines High School in 1946. Don and Violet Carr were married in 1947 and had three children, Terry, Rick, and Timothy. Don joined the Flint Fire Department in 1958, retiring as a Lieutenant. Don and Violet moved from Swartz Creek to Ellensburg, WA in 1974 to work as camp counselors for troubled youth until 1977. They moved back to Hill Road in Swartz Creek where they operated the “Pertler Tree Farm” selling Christmas trees. Don attended West Court Street Church of God for many years where he was active as a board member and oversaw church facilities. He was an avid Tiger and U of M fan. After 55 years of marriage, Violet entered into glory after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Don married Joyce (Luce) Hampton in 2011. Joyce and her children Bill, Craig, Cyndi, and Carol, along with their spouses, children and grandchildren welcomed Don into their family. Don and Joyce would have celebrated 12 years of marriage in July. They shared many good times traveling, visiting friends, attending church, and enjoying their combined families. Surviving Don are his wife, Joyce; his sons, Dr. Rick Pertler and wife Marla of Poway, CA and Timothy Pertler and wife Kathy of Indianapolis, IN. Six grandchildren; Benjamin, Jodi, Andrew, Nicholas, Dana, and Colleen; fourteen great grandchildren and brother Kenneth Pertler of Flint. Don also leaves many cousins, nieces, and nephews along with many dear friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Violet, son Terry and siblings Duane, Shirley, and Leland. Friends may share their online condolences with the family at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.