Joseph Donati

Joseph “Joe” Donati, 37, of Traverse City, MI formerly of Iron River, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Munson Medical Center surrounded by family and friends following a courageous battle with lymphoma. Joe was born on December 8, 1983, in Iron River to James Daniel and the late Susan Roberta (Sapletal) Donati and graduated from West Iron County, class of 2002. After graduating from high school, Joe attended Ferris State University and obtained his Doctorate in Pharmacology. While in college, Joe met the love of his life, Meghan Lorena LeCureux, and the two married on July 7, 2007 in Durand, MI. Joe and Meghan enjoyed traveling, playing board & card games, and spending time with their family & friends. When Joe completed his doctorate, he and Meghan moved to Traverse City, MI, where they currently reside to start a family. The couple were blessed with 3 beautiful children: Nathan Joseph, 9, Natalie Lorena Sue, 6, and Nolan Daniel, 6 weeks. Joe was a phenomenal father who loved his children immeasurably and was active with them, taking them fishing, hunting, sledding, and all other outdoor activities. While living in Traverse City, Joe was a pharmacist for WalMart and loved his co-workers like a second family. He referred to the younger pharmacy techs as his “daughters” and was good friends with his boss. In his spare time, Joe was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman — a true Yooper. He loved everything regarding fishing, especially fly fishing. He spent many hours on the various lakes and rivers in Michigan and across the United States catching fish, taking people fishing, and talking about fishing. He also enjoyed waterfowl hunting, goose hunting in Canada, and was active with Ducks Unlimited. Joe was not only a loving, family man, but also a fierce friend still having close relationships with high school and college buddies. He valued his friendships with the numerous fishermen, hunters, and Ducks Unlimited members he went on adventures with. Joe’s life focused on the four Fs: family, friends, fishing, and faith. His Catholic beliefs were strong and unwavering. He was a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Traverse City and helped teach his children the importance of a loving relationship with God. Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Susan Donati and his two grandfathers, James Sapletal and Daniel Donati. He is survived by his wife, Meghan, three children, Nathan, Natalie, & Nolan; his father, James Donati; sister, Samantha (Seth) Pittsley; grandmothers Dolores Sapletal and Irene Donati all of Iron River, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, & cousins. He lived a beautiful life with his family and down-to-earth demeanor. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00am at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. A graveside service will be held at 12pm at Resthaven Cemetery with Deacon Terry Verville to officiate. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Donati, please visit our flower store.