Donald R. Aune, 83, of Oscoda, Mich., died Saturday at Otesgo Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, Mich. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 20, 1926.

Don pursued a career in the U.S. Air Force that spanned 28 years. He retired in 1969 as a Master Sergeant after having served during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. While stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in the early 1960s, Don worked in public relations and developed a love for the community. After retiring in California from the service, he returned to Oscoda and worked as an editor for the Oscoda Press and Iosco News Herald until 1979.

Don was also active as a real estate agent in the Oscoda area for several years. He was very involved with the American Red Cross, Michigan Youth Services, AuSable River Canoe Marathon, Yankee Air Force and the Paul Bunyan Festival. He was also a charter member of the Rotary Club and was responsible for starting the Youth Exchange program.

Don was a past director of the Miss Iosco, Miss Michigan and Miss American programs. He was a past trustee of Oscoda Township and a three-time recipient of the citizen of the year award. Don was on the base reuse committee and was instrumental in opening the Aune Medical Center on the former base for veteran health care needs.

He was an active member, Eucharistic Minister and lecture at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oscoda and was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary, who he married on Feb. 18, 1952 in Bungay, England. Also surviving is his daughter, Therese Aune, of Chicago, Ill.; son, Christopher (Sherry) Aune, of Lake Geneva, Wis.; son, Nicholas (Karen) Aune, of Gaylord, Mich.; grandsons, Cory (Kristin), Chad, Colin, Justin and Peter; sister, Joanne Nichols, of Eveleth, Minn.; sister, Maryann (Vince) Fleharty, of Lake Havasu City; nephew, Richard; and niece, Pamela.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, George and Alma Aune (nee Kontio).

A memorial mass will take place today at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oscoda, Mich. Rev. Charles Donajkowski will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to the Rotary Foundation, Sacred Heart Building Fund or to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. You may offer condolences at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.