Donald M. Bell

Donald M. Bell passed away Saturday, August 8, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family, he was 79 years old. Don had been a resident of West Branch for the past 13 years previously of St. Helen for 30 years and Flint prior to that. Don was very active in the St. Helen community where he co-founded the St. Helen Chamber of Commerce, co-founded the St. Helen Snow Packers and was a volunteer firefighter for the St. Helen Fire Department. Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, baseball, golf, snowmobiling, bowling, traveling and gardening. Most of all he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Don is survived by his wife of 60 years Betty of West Branch, daughter Terry Morley of Roscommon, son Randy (Muriel) Bell of Houghton Lake, son Donald L. Bell of Lincoln, Montana, and son Denis (Mary Ann) Bell of St. Helen. There are fourteen grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister Jean Stoddard of Flint. Don is preceded in death by a son Michael Bell, his parents, two brothers, and one sister. Visitation for Don will begin Tuesday, August 11, 2009 from 5-9 PM and Wednesday from 12-9PM at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. The funeral will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, August 13, 2009 at the St. John Lutheran Church in West Branch, the family will receive friends prior to the service from 10-11AM. Rev. Howard Travis will officiate. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in St. Helen. Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church.