DONALD EDWARD BARTOSH

Donald Edward Bartosh was born on Dec. 14, 1939 in Flint, Michigan and died peacefully at home on Feb. 6, 2025. As the oldest of three children, he learned early the importance of combining his smarts, compassion, humor and strong work ethic to thrive in the face of life’s challenges. He lived his life with a ready smile and with deep pride and commitment to his most important priorities of marriage, family, entrepreneurship and community.

While still in high school, Don met a quiet young girl who became his true love and lifelong companion. He married Arlene Grenkowicz on July 30, 1960 and had been looking forward to celebrating their 65 years together this summer.

The two of them together built a family that was his pride and joy — just ask anyone who had to listen to him brag about them. As a devoted father, he passed along to his children — Brian Bartosh (Julie) of Alpena, Teri List of Traverse City, and Michael Bartosh (Lynda) of Harbor Springs — his business acumen, work ethic, faith and humor. While he loved his children, he relished the opportunity to build even more memories with his grandchildren: Allison Rogers (Jake); Angela Lindsay (Eric); Ashlee Taber (Keegan); Hayden Bartosh (Nicole); Jennifer List (Grace); Katie List (Zeph Vaughn); Nicholas Bartosh, Nick Eckhart (Vickie Rumaker); and Tyler Bartosh (Emily). And just when you thought his love would be spent, he was gifted this past year with his greatest treasure of three great-granddaughters: Elizabeth Vaughn, Mila Bartosh, and Sophie Bartosh. When the family gathers, his pride would overflow and the room would be filled with laughter, friendly banter, and memories of all the adventures Don provided in their lives — from annual Canadian fishing trips … to summer visits at the Lake … model trains in his workshop … and how to fix anything.

Don was a perpetual entrepreneur, whose greatest success and legacy was Top O Michigan Insurance. He founded and led the business for many years, a venture that not only sustained his family but also fostered invaluable connections in the area. He found great joy in building this business alongside his son and now his grandson.

A man deeply committed to service, Don served in many community roles, lending his leadership to, among other organizations: Wolverine Credit Union; Diocese of Gaylord; Department of Health and Human Services; Alpena Township; Alpena County, Alpena Community College, Rotary and Knights of Columbus. He was a vital member of All Saints Catholic Church, where he actively participated and inspired others with his unwavering faith and commitment to the growth and sustainability of the Parish and School. As one of the original founders of the Michigan Brown Trout Festival, Don helped cultivate community spirit and celebration, enriching the lives of many through shared traditions and joyous gatherings.

In the embrace of sorrow, we remember Don as a strong, capable and compassionate man, with a bright smile and intellectual curiosity that provided every person he met with a potential life lesson … or at least a laugh. He will be forever cherished and dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation services will take place on Feb. 10, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at A.E. Ross Funeral Home in Alpena, followed by an additional visitation at St. Anne Catholic Church on Feb. 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Father Emmanuel Finbarr as celebrant and Father Jim Hayden as con-celebrant. In Lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to the Alpena Community College Foundation, directed to the Donald E. Bartosh Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund.