Donald William Fretty's Obituary
Mr. Donald W. Fretty, age 72, passed away Friday, October 12, 2012. He was born June 8, 1940 in Joliet, IL to Donald T. and Emaline (Smithberg) Fretty. Don was a 1958 graduate of Joliet Twp. High School and was a proud member of the J.T.H.S. Band. He received his Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois and served as band director in Rantoul, IL, Muskegon Hts., MI and retired from Reeths Puffer Schools in 1990. Don performed extensively as a solo artist and with many bands and orchestras in the West Michigan area. He taught many private students and had judged various music competitions. He married the former Beverly Ann Armstrong in Joliet, IL on December 29, 1961. She survives him along with 1 son, Steve (Rebecca) Fretty of Cos Cob, CT; 1 daughter, Laura Childs of Glen Ellyn, IL; 3 grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jackson Fretty and Ava Childs; 1 brother, Thomas (Sheila) Fretty of Whitehall, MI. Friends may meet with the family on Monday, October 22, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100. A Don Fretty Night will be held at the Westside Inn, 1635 Beidler, Muskegon, MI on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, starting at 7:30 p.m. Remembrances may be directed to: The Don Fretty Scholarship for Instrumental Music c/o Community Foundation for Muskegon County, 425 W. Western Ave., Suite 200, Muskegon, MI 49440 or online at www.cffmc.org/give/list-of-funds/view/3693.
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