Donald "Don" James Kartes, age 66, of Manistee, passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2022 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

Don was born on November 21, 1956 in Muskegon, Michigan to Joseph and Rita (Tarrien) Kartes. He was a 1975 graduate of Muskegon High School and went on to attend the Corrections Officer Academy at Lansing Community College. He retired from the Oaks Correctional Facility in 2019 after 28 years of service as a Corrections Officer.

Don and his wife, Jan, celebrated 15 years of marriage in August. They had many wonderful memories together of dancing, traveling and spending time with their families. Don enjoyed being outdoors and was happiest working in his yard or spending time in the woods or on the golf course. He was a kid at heart and always looking for ways to get a good laugh from you. He would never turn down a card game, mostly because he always won and would chuckle as each of us would painfully admit defeat. He loved NASCAR, Jimmy Buffet, Michigan State, anything spicy and a good Captain and Diet. He loved to place random little bets with anyone willing to put money down and would have the same competitive spirit regardless if it was $1 or $100 at stake.

Don is survived by his wife, Jan Parker-Kartes, his children, Jeff (Mariah) Kartes, Kristin (Jessica) Kartes, his step children Jessica (Adam) Janiszewski and Jordan Parker, his grandchildren Jose (Shae) Kartes, Isabella, Lilyana, Nora, Lennon and Mabel Kartes and Landon and Bennett Janiszewski, his siblings Tom (Geri) Kartes, Bob (Diane) Kartes, Diane (Tom) Alderink, Norma (Karen) Kartes, Jane Monahen and Marian Doan, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Rita (Tarrien) Kartes, and his sister, Karen Kartes.

Cremation has taken place and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 3:30 pm at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Matthew Barnum celebrant.  The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday afternoon, one hour prior to the funeral mass.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.