Donald A. Kade
Donald A. Kade, 84, of Black Lake and Las Vegas, formerly of Troy and St. Clair Shores, died peacefully in his sleep at his home near Onaway Monday, September 12, 2016. The son of William and Edna (Nolff) Kade, Don was born in Carleton, September 30, 1931. Stationed in Alaska, Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War Era from 1948 through 1951. Intuitive, with a great sense for business, Don founded D.A. Kade & Associates, Inc. in 1957. His successful snack food and candy brokerage company did business throughout the state of Michigan until 1996.
Kind and outgoing, Don easily made friends and loved to visit. He was an excellent judge of character and truly cared about people. He was a great fan of all Detroit’s teams, but in particular loved the Detroit Tigers. With his savvy business sense, he enjoyed reading the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and any business or financial publication. Don made his first trip to Onaway when he was only 11 years old. He fell in love with northern Michigan and returned often. Eventually he built a home near Black Lake where he lived most of the year but spent the winter months in Las Vegas. There was nothing Don loved more than having his morning coffee while he looked out the window into the woods and watched the deer. All who knew Don will miss his easy-going personality and his friendly smile.
Surviving Don is his wife, Diane Shannon Kade of Black Lake and Las Vegas; son, Donald (Colleen) Kade Jr. of Howell; daughter, Patricia Kade of Troy; grandson, Sean Kade; step-grandchildren, Teagan George, Danny George, and Elizabeth Duvall; as well as his former wife and friend, Anne (nee Bullon) Kade of Troy; and step-children and very good friends, Wendy (John) George of Pasadena, California and DJ Honstain of Grosse Pointe.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Dorothy “Dottie” Parrino, and brother, Robert.
Visitation was held at the Chagnon Funeral Home Wednesday, September 14, from 6 – 8 p.m. The funeral service will be today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. at the Chagnon Funeral Home. The Rev. Carmen Cook will officiate. Don’s final resting place will be at North Allis Township Cemetery in Onaway. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Donald to your local Salvation Army or The Goodfellows. Condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.