Donna B. Gelderman's Obituary
Donna B. Gelderman, age 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024. She was born on December 30, 1936, to Everette and Lizzie (Bolthouse) Fisher in Spring Lake, MI. and has remained a lifelong resident of West Michigan. She graduated from West Michigan Christian High School class of 1955. She married William L. "Bim" Gelderman at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church on September 18, 1959. Together they cherished 26 years full of faith, love and laughter. Bim preceded her in death on March 29, 1985. Donna was a dedicated employee of Michigan Bell Telephone company where she worked as a switchboard operator. Donna then left the work force and took pride in maintaining her home and raising her 2 children alongside Bim. After the passing of her husband, she then went back to work for various companies to make ends meet, Spring Lake Village fish market, Dykstra’s and Steketee’s Department Store. Donna was a faithful servant and longtime member of Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church. Donna had a passion for crocheting, quilting and anything pertaining to needlework. She took joy in helping others with her talents and would often donate her homemade goods to the maternity wards for the newborn babies or somewhere in need. She was active within the church, and for years helped by creating items for their annual bazaars. She was a social butterfly by nature, easily knowing no stranger and making new friends with simple conversation wherever she went. Donna loved her time spent with her girlfriends over coffee or tea, occasionally spoiling them with her famous secret peanut butter ice cream sauce. She had a generous heart and tender-loving spirit that touched the lives of many. Donna will be missed by so many. She is survived by her two children, Michael (Kim) Gelderman and Michelle (Rich) Martin; two grandchildren, William Gelderman and Trevor Martin; sister-in-law, Mary Fisher; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, William “Bim” Gelderman; three sisters, Joyce Rodrigues, Carol (Edward) Rasinske and Nancy (Rolland) Bartels; and brother, Jack Fisher. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church, 364 S. Lake Ave. Spring Lake, MI 49456. A visitation with the family will be held from 10-11:00 AM at the church. Donna will be laid to rest with her husband Bim at Spring Lake Cemetery, all are welcomed. Memorial Contributions in her honor can be directed to the American Kidney Fund. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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