Obituary of Donald E. Curran

Donald E. Curran, 91, of Elkhart, formerly of Niles, passed away peacefully at his residence with his family on Sunday, November 7, 2021. He was born on August 29, 1930 in Niles, Michigan to the late Ervin J. and Frances H. (Palmer) Curran. Donald was a 1948 graduate of Niles High School. On September 14, 1948 Donald enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While proudly serving his country on the USS Magpi, he was called home to assist with the family farm following the heart attack of his father. While he was on leave, the United States Navy Minesweeper Magpie went down after it struck a mine, 21 Magpie crew members perished with 12 survivors. On June 30, 1951 Donald married Delores G. Runyan at a ceremony at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Niles. Donald was a founding member and leader of the NS Credit Union (currently United Federal Credit Union) and had a very successful career at National Standard, of which he retired after 30 years. Donald also was a former member of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, a business entrepreneur with his son-in-law, Don’s Small Engine Repair, a member of the former Pawating Hospital Board of Directors, Sebring AMVETS, a former member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles and Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Elkhart.Donald had a passion for hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling and was committed to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved son-in-law Donald F. Lubelski and a grandson, Ryan Patrick Lubelski. Donald is survived by his loving wife of over seventy years, Delores Curran of Elkhart; his daughters, Joanne Lubelski of Elkhart, Constance Curran of Elkhart, Donna (Donald) Lange of Ludington, Michigan, Kelly Anne Russell of Whitefish, Montana; ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild; a sister, Carolyn (David) Shankland of Grants Pass, Oregon. In keeping with Donald’s wishes, he will be laid to rest at a private ceremony at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memories and condolences may be left for his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.