DONALD R. AMLOTTE

Donald R. Amlotte, 81, of Alpena, passed peacefully on the evening of June 8, 2024.

Don was born in Alpena on Jan. 19, 1943, to the late Raymond and Anna (Romprey) Amlotte, attended St. Anne’s School, and graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1961.

Don was baptized and raised as a member of St. Anne’s Parish and was also a long-time member of St. John’s Parish. He spent many hours volunteering as an usher, eucharistic minister, and bingo caller for both St. John’s and the VFW. In addition to volunteering at church, Don was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree. You could often find him around town handing out Tootsie Rolls to support various charitable causes.

He served in the United States Army and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. After returning from Vietnam, Don was employed by the Alpena Department of Public Works. He retired after having worked for over 30 years. In retirement, he enjoyed golfing, morning coffee with friends, dinners out with his wife Betty, and traveling to spend time with family members. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in various activities. He served Alpena County as a member of the VFW Alpena Post 2496 and its Honor Guard, participating in many funerals with military honors.

Don was a sports enthusiast as a participant, coach, and spectator. He was an avid softball player, spending many summers traveling throughout Michigan to play in tournaments, as well as the formidable Alpena leagues. His very last at-bat was for the Holiday Inn team where he singled in the championship-winning run. He spent many years in bowling leagues as well as informal basketball leagues. As a coach, Don was very involved in both the Alpena Little League and Babe Ruth League, where he was a board member. He coached many young men in baseball and intramural basketball for over 12 years. A loyal Michigan and Detroit sports fan, Don would rarely miss the chance to watch his beloved Lions, Tigers, Pistons, & Red Wings, as well as U of M and MSU football and basketball. He enjoyed many years of deer hunting with his father and four brothers as members of the “30/30 Club” hunting cabin. As a lifelong resident and devoted citizen, Don will be sorely missed by the Alpena community.

He was survived by his wife of 25 years, Betty; children, Michelle Porach, Cherie (Dave) Hacker, Kristy (Eric) Lutjen, Jeff (Jen) Amlotte; stepchildren, Denise (Dan) Shenanaquet, Rob (Sherrie) Freeman, Jennifer Freeman, Randy (Tanya) LaVoie, Debbie (Brian) Mannor; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Ken (Norma) Amlotte, Dick (Diane) Amlotte, Bob Amlotte; sister-in-law, Cheryl Amlotte; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dave Amlotte; sisters-in-law Pam Amlotte, Diana Amlotte, and nephew Andy Amlotte.

Visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Monday, June 17, 2024, from 3 p.m. until the time of the parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Military honors will be accorded him at 5 p.m. by Alpena VFW Post 2496 and Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Tyler Bischoff officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: All Saints Parish of Alpena or Knights of Columbus