Donald "Don" Stephen Nalevayko

Donald "Don" S. Nalevayko of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved uncle, brother-in-law, and friend, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Covenant Health Care - Harrison. He was 91 years old. Donald S. Nalevayko was born on May 27, 1932, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Stephen and Frances (Gorney) Nalevayko. At 20 years old, Don valiantly and honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He initially served in the Third Army Division on a M24 Reconnaissance Tank and later served in the Seventh Division on a M47 Reconnaissance Tank. He recalled turning 21 years of age when stationed in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. In 1962, he and his buddy, Jim Smith, set out on an adventure to Florida, where they owned and operated their own tavern. Don eventually moved back to Saginaw where he served the City of Saginaw as a member of the Department of Public Works for 25 years, after which time he chose to retire. Don was a longtime and faithful member of St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church (St. Dominic Parish). He shared his love of God with family, demonstrating his unwavering faith in his savior; he would often recite scripture reinforcing the importance of remembering, "Don't worry!" His little piece of heaven on earth were his flower beds and vegetable gardens. Gifted with a green thumb, Don took pride in teaching his family how to successfully start and grow house plants and gardens. His entire spirit would light up when neighbors and passersby stopped to take photographs in front of his stunning and eloquently maintained flower beds. Don was selfless, kindhearted, and loved to help other people, always helping family members and assisting neighbors in need with their lawn care and snow removal.

Surviving are his loving nieces and nephews: Jill (David) Glanz, Robert "Bob" (Michelle) Nalevayko, Christine (Mike) Arceneaux, Amanda (Josh) Bouchard, Stephen Sharar, Larry Nalevayko, Tom Nalevayko, Connie (Jeff) Nalevayko, Bill (Anita) Nalevayko; great-nieces and great-nephews: Joshua Glanz, Michaela (Zach) Stohlman, Brittany and Caitlyn Schaffer, Chad and Isabelle Sharar, Marshal and Annalysse Bouchard, Nicole, Kayla, Cody, Britni, Billy, and Lily Nalevayko; many great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews including: Avaliene Stohlman, Anton and Riley Eback, Presley Silvis, Kayden Sharar, and Oakley Bouchard. Sister-in-law Esther Nalevayko.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Frances Nalevayko; brother, John "Jackie" (Esther) Nalevayko; three sisters: Nancy Sharar, Evelyn Nalevayko, Mary Ann Nalevayko; a nephew, Jerry Nalevayko; and a niece, Marilyn Nalevayko. Honoring Don's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A private family gathering will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI, 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.casefuneralhome.com