Donald M. Cuvelier

Donald M. "Don" Cuvelier, Wenatchee, WA. Our family suffered a great loss when Don passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at the age of 77, with his family by his side. He was born in Cherokee, IA on January 29, 1935, to Clem and Gertrude (Miles) Cuvelier. At the age of 17, Don joined the Navy and served a little over three years on the USS Boxer. After moving to Wenatchee in his early 20's, he married Sharon Wilcox on October 2, 1959. They had three daughters, Lisa, Lori and Lynn. He later met and married Helen Berry on October 13, 1975, and gained two stepchildren, Debbie and Allen. Don spent many years working for the Washington State Department of Transportation as a road striper and snowplow operator, before retiring in 1987. He then spent a few years working for Mitchell Trucking and Paving. Anyone who knew Don, knew he was happiest with a fishing pole in his hand. In earlier years, he enjoyed taking his three daughters on some of those trips. We were so happy, sitting quietly by his side waiting for the fish to bite, at least until the candy was gone. Watching sports was a passion from childhood and it seemed there was a game of some kind on the TV at all times. We were so happy when he got the chance to travel with his wife to Seattle and watch the Mariners play. As his grandchildren came along, he could hardly wait to spend time with them. As they grew older, he would take them fishing, or just hang out. He would talk of them often and remember just about every cute story about them. When his great-grandchildren started to arrive, his heart was in his eyes every time he looked at them. This was a man so full of love and he never ended a conversation with his family without saying, "I love you." The last five years of Don's life were spent residing in Colonial Vista Long Term Care. He made some very special friends while living there. He entertained staff and residents alike with his jokes and unique humor. We would like to express our thanks to the staff for the great and loving care he received during his stay. He is survived by his wife, Helen of East Wenatchee; his three daughters, Lisa Mitchell (Jody), Lori McCauley (Randy), all of East Wenatchee, and Lynn Boydston (Matthew) of Vancouver, WA; two stepchildren, Debbie Berry of Chico, CA and Allen Berry of Spokane, WA; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; one brother; and one sister. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers. A Memorial Service will be held at Telford's Chapel of the Valley, Saturday, September 29, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. Concluding Services and Inurnment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion, Post 10, Wenatchee. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.