Mr. Donald E. Lehto

HUMAN BEING, MAN, SON, HUSBAND, FATHER, BROTHER, 1ST GENERATION FINNLANDER, SOLDIER, GRANDFATHER, UNCLE, FRIEND, NEIGHBOR, ENTREPRENEUR, COMEDIAN, MUSICIAN, INVENTOR, WOODWORKER, HORTICULTURIST: Mr. Donald E. Lehto was born April, 21, 1932 in Newberry, MI, the son of Liami and Jacob Lehto, who also preceded him in death. Donald's family immigrated from Helsinki, Finland in the early 1900's. Their family name was Lehtinen, which is a very common Finnish name. He married Ann Y. Hetrick on November 23, 1953, his loving wife of 55 years. Donald was a very proud Father of his four daughters and seven grandchildren, which include, children: Debra Adams of Ann Arbor, MI, Susan Fuller-Sutherland (husband Harry) of Arlington, TX; Vickie Lehto (deceased); and Jaime Lehto (husband Michael Fraser) of Paw Paw, MI; grandchildren: Damien Fuller-Sutherland; Adam Zemke, Cameron Wooley, Katharine Soter (significant other Kyle Selvidge); Lindsay Carpenter(husband Brandon Carpenter), Maya Soter and Jillian Soter (Furry grandchildren); 9 brothers and sisters: Surviving siblings, Nora VanEnklevort, Gloria Durga, Shelley Tann, Raymond Lehto, Ernie Lehto, and Melvin Lehto; deceased siblings: Mike, John and Harry Lehto. Donald had a special fondness for all of his sister and brother-in-laws. Donald had over 75 nieces and nephews. A special mention of the niece who was with him daily while in Borgess Hospital, Mrs. Ramona Crawford (with the giggle he loved). Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19, getting promoted to the rank of Sergeant over the six years he served. He bravely defended the American efforts in the Korean conflict and as a result suffered from PSTD for the remainder of his life. This never stood in the way of his comical character, and he frequently teased his family members that he would "remember us all in his Will". Donald was an amazing man. He did not complete High School, but he was an incredible entrepreneur, becoming an expert horticulturist and eventually expanding his artistic talent into a woodworking business. There are many Michigan neighbors who own Don's windmills and birdhouses, displaying them in their yards. Donald's talents included the ability to learn and play music by ear. He taught himself how to play the accordian and the harmonica, delighting his family with tunes that included love songs and polkas. Donald also had an incredible perspective on life to live in the present appreciate the things you've got and to love and cherish your loved ones unconditionally. Friends may meet with the family 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2009 for a Celebration of The Life, at 7738 3rd Street, Mattawan, MI.

Mr. Donald E. Lehto

April 21, 1932 - February 23, 2009