Obituary of Donald Thomas Kocks
Donald Thomas Kocks, better known as Dee, age 66, of Tawas City, MI passed away peacefully at Symphony Tr-Cities on Friday, November 7, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. Donald was born on November 11, 1958, to the late Donald R. Kocks and Kathryn M. (Gallagher) Kocks in Saginaw, MI.
Dee served his community through his work at General Motors in Saginaw and later as a forklift driver at Saginaw Powder Coating, until he moved to Tawas City, MI where he continued his work at Tawas Plating and Powder Coating as a powder coating technician until the time of his retirement.
Upon his retirement, Dee worked in the community mowing lawns during the warm summers and shoveling snow in the cold Michigan winters. Dee’s pride and joy were his many dogs and cats that he cared for and loved over the years.
A lifelong enthusiast of the outdoors, Dee found comfort and joy in fishing. His passion for angling was matched only by his love for automobiles. Dee could often be found engaging in conversations about cars, sharing his knowledge and genuine excitement with fellow enthusiasts.
He is survived by his sisters, Sheltra (Wilber) Schultz and Kimberly (James) Garner; two aunts, Kathleen Sisk and Virginia Hume; Katie (god daughter), Kelli, Shawn, Amanda, and Krystle; several great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins; and special friends, Alan, Merle, and Gail. Dee was preceded in death by his parents, Donald R. and Kathryn M. Kocks.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Symphony Tri-Cities, a special thank you to Robin, Renee, Heather, Stephanie, and Joe, and also to Toni from Optimal Care Hospice.
Per Dee’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Arenac County Animal Control Shelter at 3750 Foco Rd, Standish, MI 48658. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
