Donald Van Dommelen

Donald Van Dommelen, 82, of Holland, MI went home to his Savior on November 9, 2023. Don and his twin sister Donna were born on the family farm November 21, 1940, the children of Frederick and Dora (Boere’) Van Dommelen. Following his graduation from Holland High School, Don started working for Haworth as a paint sprayer, and later took a job at Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert, where he repaired machines and mechanical equipment, until his retirement.

On June 16, 1962, Don married Janet Bell. They established residence in Holland, MI where they raised their four daughters. Don was a longtime member of Immanuel Church. Recreationally, he enjoyed playing fast pitch softball, where he was both a pitcher and a first baseman. He was also an avid bowler and enjoyed participating in his Monday night league. Coffee was a big part of his life and he could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee with friends or on his own. Spending time with his family and friends was a favorite pastime as well. If you knew Don, you knew he was an avid Michigan State University fan. His love for MSU dated back to the airing of an MSU football game on his first transistor radio. Traditions were a major part of Don’s life. Whether it was 40 years of Tulip Time involvement, the celebration of a birthday, an annual trip to Mackinac Island, making peanut brittle, or getting ready for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, he embraced each tradition with joy and enthusiasm. Don emulated pride for all of his children and grandchildren. He established unique connections with each grandchild and spent many hours attending events, having conversations, and praying for each one.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Sandra Van Dommelen, brother Tim Van Dommelen, brother Bob Van Dommelen, twin sister Donna Lott, brother-in-law Terry Grotler, and his great friend Jim “Pa” Frans.
He is survived by Janet, his loving wife of 61 years; their daughters: Debra Barfield, Karen Brown, Sharon Boyce-Baczkowski & Dan Baczkowski, Kathy & Kevin Ridlington; grandchildren & great grandchild: Caleb & Katie Brown, Chelsea & Ryan Dauer, Josiah Brown & Lindsay Hale, Noah Brown, Matthew & Jenna Brown (Clara), Natalie Boyce, Timothy Boyce, Sarah Brown, Margaret Boyce, George Boyce, Hannah Ridlington, & Charlie Ridlington; Siblings: Loie Grotler, David Van Dommelen, Paul & Cindy Van Dommelen, Ruth & Lane Tharp, and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, November 18, 2023, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423. Visitation will be 4:00-6:30 pm, Friday, November 17, at the funeral home. Private interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith
Hospice at Trillium Woods. www.faithhospicecare.org www.langelandsterenberg.com