Donald Gene Phenix, age 67, of Greenville, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at The Laurels of Carson City with his beloved wife, Deborah, by his side.  The son of Grandville and Charlotte (Wiggens) Phenix, he was born on August 2, 1948 in Greenville and attended Belding High School. 

On November 23, 1979, in Greenville, he married the former Deborah Kay Dann and together they enjoyed over 36 years of marriage.  Don retired from Electrolux after 28 years, having served as a machine operator, supervisor, inspector and engineer, and enjoyed deer hunting, golfing, building things out of stone, and treasure hunting at flea markets and yard sales.  However, his greatest joys came when he was tinkering with cars with his sons and grandsons.  "He was so smart and good at everything!"         

He was preceded in death by his parents;  two brothers, Paul and Ken Phenix; a son-in-law, Bruce Steffes; a grandson, Zachariah "Zach" Steffes; and Deb's parents, John Dann and Evelyn Garvey.     

Surviving are his wife, Deborah Phenix of Greenville;  his children, Michelle and Todd Blumberg of Gowen, Raquel and Robert Mullen of Trufant, John and Barbara Christensen of Wayland, Joseph Donald and Edna Phenix of Kentwood, and Scott and Kinsey Christensen of Greenville; twenty-one grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Fredrick Dann of Greenville; a sister-in-law, Rebecca and Paul Johnson of Cedar Springs; and many nieces and nephews and friends.                                                       

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place and the family gathered around Don at The Laurels prior to his death.  In lieu of flowers, Don would have appreciated contributions in his memory to The Humane Society of Michigan, any "No-Kill" Shelter, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign his online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.ChristiansenCares.com  Arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.