Donald Leon Gelesko

Donald Leon Gelesko, 56, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 in St. Joseph, Michigan. Don was born at Mercy Hospital, Benton Harbor, MI, on May 22, 1956, the youngest of six children. The first five years of his life were spent on a blueberry farm in Covert, MI, after which the family moved to St. Joseph. Don graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1974 where he was active in wrestling and football. He later attended Olivet College on a wrestling scholarship. Don served in the U.S. Marines June 1979 to 1983, during which time he earned a rifle marksman badge, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon in connection with time spent in Okinawa. Don was very knowledgeable about computers and worked for Hughes Technologies in California before returning to his home town in Michigan. Don is survived by his daughter, Savannah Gelesko of Portland, Oregon; his mother, Elizabeth Wygant of St. Joseph, Michigan; his father and step-mother, Nick and Gwen Gelesko of Fort Myers, Florida; sister, Barbara McKee of Fairfield, California; brother, Richard Gelesko of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and sister, Beverly (David) Thrower of Portage, Michigan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and his beloved Samoyed dog Tiah. Don was preceded in death by brothers, David Nick Gelesko, William Byron Gelesko and his step-father, Richard Wygant. The body has been cremated and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date with interment at North Shore Memory Gardens.