Obituary: Donald William Alfred, 74, of Manistee

December 5, 2025

Donald Alfred

Donald William Alfred, 74, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday December 3, 2025 doing what he loved most, helping others in need. Don was the son of Edwin and Helen Alfred and was born in Manistee Nov. 27, 1951. He was the brother of Brenda, Prescilla, and Laura.

Donald was a prominent and successful residential builder in the Manistee area for many years. His dedication to his family, faith, and work were the things that were dearest to his heart. His love for deep conversation always kept moments interesting. No topic was off limits and opposing viewpoints were always welcome, but never met with any animus.

He was a loving father and spouse; a devoted husband to Karen Alfred until her passing Dec. 13, 2009. During his marriage with Karen, he raised his son Donald Jr., and selflessly assumed the role of father to three children following the death of his sister Laura – Erik Scott, Sarah Holzschu, and Brittany Young.

Don eventually remarried on May 24, 2013 to Kathy Gnatkowski and again became a loving and devoted husband and father to Kathy, her children, and grandchildren – Matt Gnatkowski, Sophia Gnatkowski, Lauren Bauman, Mark Bauman, Reid Bauman, and Grant Bauman. He was a very loving father and grandfather of an overall mixed and blended family.

Don will be greatly missed by his wife Kathy; his children Don Alfred and his wife Stephanie, Sarah Holchu, Brittany Young, Erik Scott and his wife Tasha, Lauren Bauman and her husband Mark, Matt Gnatkowski and his wife Sophia; grandchildren Cameron, Brooklyn, Morgan, Ella, Logan, Bentlee, Cristian, Anna, Claire, Grant, and Reid; great-grandson Jameson; his sisters Brenda Budesky and husband Robert, Prescilla Kellogg and and husband Timothy.

Along with his wife Karen, Don was also preceded in death by parents Edwin and Helen Alfred; and his sister Laura.

Those who knew Don intimately knew of his strong faith in his God and his love for the Catholic church and community.  He will truly be missed and was never without a good story. May he rest in peace and bask in the glory of Heaven.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Don at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. Visitation with his family will start at 10 a.m. until time of Mass at the church.

Please visit Don’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Don with his family.