Donald Louis Kukla "Kookie"

Don passed away Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at McLaren Bay Region at the age of 76 years. He was born in Bay City on October 26, 1944 to the late Leo and Evelyn (Balcer) Kukla. Don married the former Sharon Doan on August 10, 2002 in Bay City and spent 21 years together. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and the Knights of Columbus. Don worked and retired from General Motors in 1994 after 30 years and then went on to work for Monitor Sugar for 10 years. He served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. While serving in Georgia he was very proud that he got to work with John Wayne in the movie The Green Beret. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing blooper ball, shuffle board, singing, building puzzles, watching all sports, being outdoors, hunting and fishing.
Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Kimberly (Shelly), Douglas (Angela), Heather and Paul (Lisa); thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Grace; sisters-in-law, Carol, Diane and Charlotte and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his twin brother, Ronald; brothers, Norbert and Pauly Pauly and sister, Patricia.
Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Our Lady of Peace Parish with committal following in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Friends may visit at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Contribution may be made to the wishes of the family. For online condolences visit www.gephartfuneralhome.com