Donald R. Jeske's Obituary
Donald R. Jeske, age 84 of Grand Haven (formerly of Spring Lake), died Sunday, December 21, 2008 at his home. He was born on November 29, 1924 in Grand Haven to August H. and Frances B. (Peters) Jeske and married the former Sadie R. Bramer on September 23, 1948 in Spring Lake.
Don had been self-employed as a building contractor from 1951 thru 1978 and then started Jeske Pools which specialized in building and maintaining pools. He later sold the business to his son Roger Jeske. Don served his country in the United States Army during WWII as a member of the Combat Engineers in the South Pacific and was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he had served as an elder, trustee, chairman of the congregation and building committees for both the church and school. Don also served as a member of the board for Liberty Woods in Spring Lake, a member of the board at Klempel Farms Condominiums and was a member of the American Legion Post #28. He enjoyed his grand and great grandchildren, the Upper Peninsula where he deer hunted, playing the spoons, cards and shuffleboard.
Don is survived by his wife, Sadie; one daughter, Debra DeGram of Grand Haven; a son, Roger (Millie) of Whitehall; four grandchildren: Tonya, Keith, Joshua, Seth; five great-grandchildren: Domonique, Anthony, Araina, Abigail, Jenna; two brothers, Bernard and Raymond (Ruth) Jeske, both of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
The service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Dieter Haupt and Rev. Phillip DeVries officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Friends may meet the family on Tuesday, December 23 from 5:30-8PM at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven (Please use East entrance) and Wednesday one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church or School are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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