R. Donald TROST
Remember

R. Donald TROST

  • July 8, 1930 - October 24, 2011
  • Marquette, Michigan
Share This Obituary
Resources

Send Flowers
Send Flowers

Send Flowers


Memories & Candles

“I swam for AP in the late sixties and for EMU from 70-74. I knew of coach Trost’s reputation at Riverview, and by the time I got to EMU he was...Read More » ”
1 of 30 | Posted by: B. Brinkman - AP, MI

“When I moved to Riverview IN 1965, Coach Trost accepted me to his swim team. I swam for him during his final year at Riverview, winning the state...Read More » ”
2 of 30 | Posted by: Robert Strait - Santa Fe, NM

“A true stand up person. My scuba instructor in Lake Superior! Kind, caring, and hard working!! ”
3 of 30 | Posted by: Thomas Lurie - IN

“Carol and family I am so sorry for your loss your mom and dad have always been great people to me as well as your brothers. I remember alot of...Read More » ”
4 of 30 | Posted by: Rick Schwemin - Marquette, MI

“"Coach" He left a lasting impact on everyone that knew him. His passion and spirit for life were with him every single day, even at 5:45 AM on the...Read More » ”
5 of 30 | Posted by: Dave Achtemeier - Farmington, MI

“The Trost Family~ My sincerest expression of sympathy to you during the recent loss of your father. He was a great friend and neighbor! Jane...Read More » ”
6 of 30 | Posted by: Jane Campbell - Marquette, MI

“My sincere condolences to the Trost family. So many great memories of teaching scuba diving with Don at the pool and the Presque Isle cove. ”
7 of 30 | Posted by: Keith Whitmn - Escanaba, MI

“Don was a great swim coach and our father figure away from home who taught us the important lesson of "goal setting" that served us well throughout...Read More » ”
8 of 30 | Posted by: Jim Donnelly - Sarasota, FL

“Don was my Open Water Scuba Instructor in 1981. What he taught me started me on an adventure that has lasted a lifetime - I went on to become an...Read More » ”
9 of 30 | Posted by: Mickey Gopigian

“My sincere condolences on the passing of Don. May the wonderful memories of his life help you through this time. He was a good man. ”
10 of 30 | Posted by: Chris Fries - Negaunee, MI

“Don was highly principled, highly disciplined and always positive. Just what a bunch of rebellious kids didn't want in the early 70s when I swam for...Read More » ”
11 of 30 | Posted by: Randy Ford - Lexington, KY

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Trost family. Many wonderful memories of Dean and I being together with the whole gang at their home. I...Read More » ”
12 of 30 | Posted by: Jeffrey James and boys - FL

“Dear JoAnne and Family - please let me offer my condolences. I got to Marquette as an 8-year old and did not make friends easily. I did, however,...Read More » ”
13 of 30 | Posted by: Isabel (Hoff) Francis - Marquette, MI

“1000 characters is too few to pay tribute. I am one of a few swimmers whom Don coached both at Riverview and NMU. He exuded life. He would not accept...Read More » ”
14 of 30 | Posted by: Dan Helton - Riverview, MI

“Sorry to hear of your loss. Having just returned from our mtacs2 reunion Don's absence was noted. His presence was always one of hilarity and fun. He...Read More » ”
15 of 30 | Posted by: Hank Fiola - Camp Hill, PA

“Sorry to hear of the family loss. Don was a good person & friend. Prayers & thoughts are with the family. Jerold & Nancy Saundri ”
16 of 30 | Posted by: nancy saundri - marquette, MI

“Don was a special friend and what a great sense of humor! We often did our "Schultz & Klink" silly "MASH" routine, and I smile every time I reflect...Read More » ”
17 of 30 | Posted by: Jim Surrell - Marquette, MI

“Dear Carol, Dean & David, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad..It is not easy to lose someone you love. I have so many, many fond...Read More » ”
18 of 30 | Posted by: Ann LaFave Lindberg - Marquette, MI

“Don & Judy were our summer neighbors on the shores of Lake Superior. Great neighbors and good friends. Saw Don several times at church this summer,...Read More » ”
19 of 30 | Posted by: Lloyd & Judy Petersen - Flushing, MI

“Don was a wonderful person and friend who will be missed by all who knew him. He was an inspiration to be around...he just made you feel good! We...Read More » ”
20 of 30 | Posted by: Joyce & Bob Herman - Palmer, MI

“Sorry to hear of the Coach's passing.I knew him back at Riverview when he was our Swim Coach and PE teacher ..He taught me the meaning/benefits of...Read More » ”
21 of 30 | Posted by: Jim Boutilier - FL - student

“JOAN & I WILL MISS YOU BUT NOT FORGET THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER, ON AND OFF THE GOLF COURSE. REST IN PEACE. GOD CARES FOR HIS CHILDREN....Read More » ”
22 of 30 | Posted by: PAUL & J0AN MATTSON - MARQ., MI

“Don, I've walked the way with you as we shared our stories of both having cancer and seeking the cure. You have taught us all what being "tough" is...Read More » ”
23 of 30 | Posted by: Bob Kalbfleisch - Mqt, MI

“Don: we shall miss you; thanks for your friendship at the MTACS-2/MASS-2 reunions. Semper Fidelis, Marine. ”
24 of 30 | Posted by: Theodore & Donna Spinning - CA

“Coach -- You made it to 38 straight walleye openers. I was hoping we could both make it to an even 40. We will miss all of the good fun you brought...Read More » ”
25 of 30 | Posted by: Don Elzinga - Marquette, MI

“All of Don's MTACS-2 friends, especially Donna and I, morn his death. He always brought joy to every gathering and he will be missed. Our sympathy...Read More » ”
26 of 30 | Posted by: Ray Pollard - Woodbridge, VA

“Impossible to think about Don and not have a smile. A sweet, kind, witty, and certainly talented man. I grieve our loss. Mohey ”
27 of 30 | Posted by: Mohey Mowafy - MI

“To the family the big guy is going to be missed big time.I played golf with him and had lunches with him I will misse him a very much. ...Read More » ”
28 of 30 | Posted by: Jim McGlynn - Marquette, MI

“Carole, David and Dean - although the years have past - Some of the best were on Gray St. Your Dad and Mom have kept in touch over the years and I...Read More » ”
29 of 30 | Posted by: Bobby Glenn Brown - Marquette, MI

“Old Neighbor -- though we hadn't seen him for the past couple of years, we kept up with his progress through friends and family. We had just been...Read More » ”
30 of 30 | Posted by: Ray and Sara Camilli - PA


R. Donald Trost, 81, died of cancer on October 24, 2011 at his home in Marquette. He was born on July 8, 1930 in Dearborn Michigan, a son of the late Winfred Trost and Kathryn Ballard. Don attended grade school in Trenton Michigan. He went to middle and high school in Riverview Michigan. While in high school he played on the football, basketball and baseball teams and ran track. Don joined the Marine Corp in 1949 at the age of 19 with his brother Robert and was stationed in El Tora, California. He served during the Korean Conflict and was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, Marine Ground Control Intercept Squad. Don was proud of his service to his country and remained a proud Marine his whole life. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in May of 1952. Don attended Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan where he graduated in 1956 with a B.S. in Physical Education. While attending college he played on the football and baseball teams and was the manager for the swim team. Don's career started at Beal City, Michigan where he coached basketball, baseball, football and track and also served as athletic director. In 1959 Don obtained his Master's degree. Also in that year, he was named head coach of swimming and assistant football coach at Riverview Community High School in Riverview, Michigan. He coached the swimming team to 3 state Championships and 3 runner ups in his 7 year career. In 1966 Don was named head swimming and diving coach at Northern Michigan University. He also coached track and was an associate professor teaching health education classes. His career record as swimming coach was 80%. He coached 50 All Americans during his coaching career until his retirement from coaching in1985. Don was also a certified scuba instructor, certifying hundreds of students from 1973 through 1985. Years later his students still comment on the "Winter Check-Out Dives in Lake Superior." In 1985 Don was named Coordinator of Operations for the Olympic Training Center in Marquette and retired as Facilities Coordinator at the Olympic Training Center from NMU in 1988. In 1991 Don was inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame and the Riverview Sports Hall of Fame. Don loved being physically active, swimming and running, deer hunting, being in the woods, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, traveling, flying over Lake Superior with family and friends, and playing golf. He attended Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marquette. Don is survived by his children, Carol Trost, of Durham N.C, David (Erin) Trost of Palmyra, VA, and Dean Trost, of Marquette; stepchildren, Jim (Liz) Hytinen of Marquette, Joanne (Jeff) Gibitz of Fort Mill, SC and Steve (Katie Ritzenhein) of Negaunee. Don is also survived by his first wife, Jeanne Trost of Marquette; also numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his companion, Jacquelyn Boudreau of Spring Hill, FL. Don was preceded in death by his parents Winfred and Kathryn Trost, his brother, Robert and his second wife, Judy Trost. A celebration of Don's life will take place on Saturday October 29, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1700 W. Fair Avenue, Marquette, with Rev. Steve Hulke officiating. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Marquette County/ Ishpeming Cancer Society. Don's family wishes to thank all of his friends and Lake Superior Hospice for their support, and a special Thanks to Jackie for all her help. "Semper Fi" The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com