In Memory

Donald J. Brady - Class Of 1965

Donald J. "Don" Brady Obituary

Brady, Donald "Don" J. 4/29/1947 - 10/7/2019 Kochville, Michigan Passed away peacefully at his home on October 7, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was 72 years old. Donald James Brady was born on April 29, 1947, in Pontiac, Michigan, to the late Raymond and Genevieve (Winieckie) Brady. Don spent his early childhood in Anaheim, California. His family moved to the Saginaw area when he was a teenager, where he attended Arthur Hill High School, graduating in 1965. He met the love of his life, Jean E. Bourdow at the Golden Glow. He proudly served his country with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he and Jean eloped on December 9, 1967. They settled in Kochville, where they raised their four children. Don worked for General Motors-Grey Iron Foundry for over 25 years and retired in 1995. When he wasn't working, he spent many hours coaching baseball and softball for the neighborhood teams and those of his children. Don was an avid collector of Notre Dame memorabilia and he loved the Fighting Irish, especially Notre Dame Saturdays. Don also enjoyed golfing, fishing with his son, antiquing with Jean, listening to and playing music on his guitar. Don loved to celebrate family occasions with making his famous, fried bread dough. Lastly, he loved a good game of "Let's Bug Don". A game made up and played by his grandchildren without his knowledge or consent. Don is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean E. Brady; children: John (Monica) Brady, Dee Brady, Melissa (Brandon) Bordeaux and Summer (Mark) Spetoskey; grandchildren: Olivia, Vayden and Atticus Brady, Brittany Enszer, Ryleigh, Jackson and Carter Spetoskey and Cooper Bordeaux; great-grandson, Peyton Scully; siblings: Rick (Barb) Brady, Danford Brady, Denise (Bob Lauka) Brady and Ramona (David "Salty" Saltmarsh) Lamping; sisters-in-law: Patricia Bourdow and Betty Ann (Don) Jolin. Don is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and his dogs, Ella Bella and Rudy. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Thomas Smith; grandson, Kyle Enszer; mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Louise Bourdow; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Weeden; and his brothers-in-law, Bob and Dan Bourdow, Sr. Don's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and doctors of Covenant Mackinaw Chemo and Radiation Center and Heartland Hospice. May his spirit play like a champion today, and always. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2019 at St. Dominic Parish – St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn St., Saginaw, MI 48602. Rev. Fr. Steven M. Gavit will officiate. Military Honors will follow at the church under the auspices of the United States Air Force. Cremation will follow the Mass. VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening led by Pastoral Associate, Sharon Wahl. Don will lie in state at the church on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Amazing Grace Animal Rescue or the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena (Pat Bourdow Memorial Fund). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through DeislerFuneralHome.com.