Donald John Gaskell

Donald John Gaskell, 85 of Torch Lake Township, went to meet his Lord, Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility.  He was born August 1, 1937 in Detroit the son of Albert and Maryanne (Varga) Gaskell.

   Don was a hard worker and retired from Ford Motor Company in 1993 after 37 years of dedicated service.  Upon retirement he moved to his home on Torch Lake where he had summered since 1965.  He became involved in the community and joined the Torch Lake Township Planning Commission where he was the Board of Review Chairman for about a year.  He also was a part of the Elk Lake Historical Society.  Don was very social and enjoyed the various breakfast clubs he attended and the group of Cruising Pirates he belonged to.

   On July 12, 1958 in Hamtramck he married the love of his life, Lucille (Tomaszewski) Gaskell who survives.  Also surviving are his children Kathleen (Carl) Blankenship of Pennsylvania and Leanne Markell of Troy, sister Suzanne (Richard) Todd of Dearborn Heights, grandchildren Grant Blankenship and Sarah Alioa.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Elaine Schwocho. 

   Visitation will be Thursday, July 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Elk Rapids, with a vigil for the Deceased at 7 p.m.  Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 7^th with Rev. Robert J. Zuchowski presiding.  A luncheon will follow and interment will take place at 1:45 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Township.   Memorial contributions can be given to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Sacred Heart Church.

   Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.