Donald Clair Jansma, of Middleville, went to the loving arms of Jesus February 3, 2022. One of seven children, Donald was born October 14, 1928, to Peter and Cora Jansma. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alice; and children Jerri (Scott Miller) Jansma and Pete (Sharon) Jansma; grandchildren Amanda (Nick) Velting, Allison (Brad) Mulder, Andy (Amanda) Sager, Melissa (Kevin Foss), Sarah (Connor)
McDevitt, Clair Jansma, Nathan Jansma; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Vereeke; and sister-in-law, Betty Russell. He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Cora Jansma; brothers and sisters Henry, Jim, Frances, Bob, and Shirley; sister-in-law, Lauranne Wilyard; and mother- and father-in-law Donald and Thelma McDiarmid.
Don grew up in Grand Rapids and attended Union High School. He proudly served his country for 24 months as a member of the US Army during the Korean conflict. He was stationed stateside and received an honorable discharge. After serving in the military, he worked for Michigan Express, where he met his bride, Alice. Until retirement in 1980, Don worked in various positions in the transportation business. This career took Don and Alice to Battle Creek where they started their family, then to Middleville, their home since 1964. In Don’s free time, he loved to bowl, golf, and cheer on the Lions - having season tickets for many years. After retirement, he continued working part-time delivering flowers, working at the Yankee Spring Township for more than 15 years, and the one place very close to his heart - Yankee Springs Golf Course. While at Yankee Springs Golf Course, he held several positions - but most important to him were the lifelong friendships he made. He was also a member of St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Wayland. The experiences that made Don the happiest were the time with family and friends at their cabin in Irons, his time with the Middleville Lions Club, his many years on golf leagues at Yankee Springs Golf Course, family vacations at Grand Haven, his grandchildren, and always cheering for the Michigan Wolverines!
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11 a.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 159 131st Ave., Wayland, MI 49348. The family will receive visitors from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral. Interment will take place at St. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery following the Mass.
Memorials may be made to the St. Cyril and Methodius Church building fund. Envelopes will be available at the church. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcookwayland.com.
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