Donald Paarlberg, M.D. (OR’ 71)

Sunday, March 21st, 1937 – Sunday, September 18th, 2022

Dr. Donald Paarlberg, M.D., 85, of Coldwater, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022 at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 12:00PM at The First Presbyterian Church in Coldwater with Rev. Susan Reichenberg officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, September 23, 2022 from 4-7:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater and again on Saturday, prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church.

Donald was born March 21, 1937 in Harvey, IL to Cornelius W. & Herminia (Shilling) Paarlberg. He graduated from Hope College, then Northwestern Medical School as an orthopedic surgeon, completing his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Donald married Suzanna Edwards on July 9, 1960, in Herkimer, NY. He was drafted into the US Army, 82nd Airborne, as a medical doctor, serving from 1964-1966.

Dr. Paarlberg had a private practice in Greenfield, MA for several years before relocating to Coldwater. His Coldwater practice operated from 1978 – 2000 and he served many years as the Branch County Medical Examiner. After the office closed, Dr. Paarlberg continued to practice independently, doing evaluations for insurance companies until his retirement in 2016. He was an active member of the Coldwater First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and was instrumental in the operation of the Free Health Clinic. Dr. Paarlberg belonged to the Noon Rotary Club and the American Legion.

Donald is survived by his wife Sue; his children Laurence Paarlberg of Holland, William (Kirsten) Paarlberg of Holland, Jeffrey (Nikki) Paarlberg of Coldwater; his brother William (Janet) Paarlberg of Sleepy Hollow, IL, his sister-in-law Ginny Paarlberg of Lee, FL; his grandchildren Spencer (Sophia) Paarlberg of Seattle, WA, Nicholas Paarlberg of Holland, Bethany Paarlberg of Barcelona, Spain, Brent Paarlberg of Newport Beach, CA, Laynee Paarlberg of Coldwater and Avery Paarlberg of Coldwater. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Paarlberg.
Memorials may be directed to the Frist Presbyterian Church. www.dutcherfh.com.