Donald Lee Tague

Donald Lee Tague, age 92, of Spring Lake, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Heartwood Lodge. He was born on February 11, 1934, in Ligonier, Indiana, to Russell and Mary Pauline (Fonner) Tague.

Don was the second eldest of 10 children. He graduated from Holland High School. A life-changing moment happened shortly thereafter. He applied for a job at H. J. Heinz Company in Holland and was hired by a beautiful young lady, Ruth Schuetky, who worked in the Personnel Dept. Don was star struck. They began dating and were married on April 18, 1953, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Holland Michigan. This incredible love story resulted in 71 years of wedded bliss. Don & Ruth's love was apparent to all - with Don's great sense of humor and Ruth giggling at Don's every joke.

Besides Ruth and his children, Don's greatest pride was being a member of the Grand Haven Police Department. Don was born to be a policeman. To Don, being a policeman was an honorable calling: to serve the community with compassion and to always be a help to everyone. He worked through the ranks from patrolman, detective, detective sergeant, and finally Deputy Chief. Notably, he was responsible for the hiring of Grand Haven's first full-time female police officer.

Don had a strong love for his children, instilling in them a strong work ethic and an unwavering sense of right and wrong. Don was extremely proud of his children's many accomplishments. His sense of humor made for a lot of fun times and memories in the family home.

Don's other true love was music. Guitar, banjo and keyboards were his favorites but hand him any instrument and he would play it. "Don Tague and the Tag-A-Longs" was the band of choice for area weddings and clubs like the Eagles, VFW, and the American Legion.

Don was a member of the Church Choir at St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Parish, and later, St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake. But, there was nothing he loved more than singing special love songs to his beautiful wife, Ruth.\

Don was a past president of the Ferry School PTA and past member of: AMBUCS, Elks, Eagles, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, WEMET Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a past member of St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Parish where he served as a lectern and usher. He also taught Catechism.

Don is survived by his children: Michael (Cheryl) of Grand Haven, Sally (Tom Berndt) Webster of Howard City, Tony (Wendi) of Grand Haven, Christopher (Tiffnei) of Anderson, SC, and Robert (Laura) of Elmhurst, IL; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Stanley of Auburn, IN, and James (Sharron) of Winona Lake, IN; sisters, Susan Landrum of Auburn, IN, and Janet Revor of Pullman, MI.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth, on March 30, 2024; son, David; parents, Russell, Sr. and Pauline (Fonner) Tague; brothers: Robert, Russell Jr., Richard, Karl; and sister, Barbara Wiersema.

The Visitation for Don will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Klaassen Funeral Home (1500 Robbins Rd., Grand Haven). The Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake with Rev. Daniel R. DePew officiating. Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Holland, Michigan.

In memory of Don, please consider a Memorial Contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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