Dr. Donald K Moely, formerly of Stevensville, MI, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 23, 2023. He was born on October 29, 1941 in Madison, WI to Diehl and Mildred Moely.

Doc, as he was affectionally called, completed his bachelors degree at University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, and earned his Masters and Doctorate in Music Education from Northwestern University, in Evanston, IL.

He and his wife Eloise (Ellie) Moely shared 57 years of loving memories together, and were blessed with a daughter, Donelle Moely-Bronstein, and son, Michael Moely.

Doc began his postdoctoral career as Director of Bands for Winona State University, directing and touring with the Symphonic Band.

Later, he became Head of the Music Department, at Lake Michigan College (LMC), where he directed the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Show Choir, and taught brass and piano lessons. He and Ellie (who also worked at the college) received the Bernard Radde Award, given by the Board of Trustees; presented annually to outstanding contributors for the development of LMC. During his European music tour, he featured LMC's Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Show Choir. Doc continued his postdoctoral studies, in Trumpet and Music Education/Administration, at North Texas State University. He was subsequently granted a sabbatical leave, from LMC, to study Trumpet and Orchestral Conducting at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria.

Doc was also the Director of Choirs at John Adams High School in South Bend, IN, loving his many students over the years. During his 35 years as director of the St. Joseph Municipal Band, he found much joy in working with the talented band members and performing for the dedicated concert attendees. Doc retired at the end of the Summer Concert Series, in 2022, to enjoy his 3 year old grandson, who can already buzz on the trumpet and play keys on the piano. (The City of St Joseph has concerts from 2022 on You Tube for your listening enjoyment.)

During his music career, Doc was also the former organist for Saron Lutheran Church for many years.

He is survived by his partner in life, Eloise, his son, Michael (Laura) Moely, his long-awaited grandson Matthew Moely. His sister-in-law Marie Moely, cousin, Virginia Moely, nieces Christine (Robert) Steinert and Laura (Richard) Thomas, nephews Greg (Joan) Moely, and Todd Moely. Grand nieces and nephews, Steven (Julie) Steinert, and Stephanie (Ben) Reuter and Jillian, Thomas, and Michael S.Moely and Rowan and Carys Thomas.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Calvin Moely, cousin Russell Moely, and dear daughter Donelle Moely-Bronstein.

A private service will be held this summer, at the Wisconsin Memorial Park Chapel Brookfield, WI.

Memorial contributions towards a St Joseph Municipal Band plaque honoring his 35 years of making music with the band for the city of St Joseph audiences listening enjoyment will be accepted by the City of St Joseph. Please send contributions to: The City of St Joseph Municipal Band Fund, 700 Broad St, St Joseph, MI 49085