Gerrit H. "Gary" VanDonkelaar's Obituary
Gerrit H. “Gary” VanDonkelaar, age 96, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024. He was born November 13, 1928 in Muskegon to Hendrick and Maagji (VanVoorthuysen) VanDonkelaar. On June 30, 1950, he married the love of his life the former Patricia Bruining in Muskegon and they enjoyed 70 years together before she preceded him in death on November 22, 2020.
Gerrit was owner, with his brothers, in H. VanDonkelaar's Sons Construction. He was a member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church. His hobbies included woodworking, golf, working in the yard and driving around Muskegon looking at construction projects. Gerrit cherished most his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
SURVIVORS include two children: Randy (Laurie) VanDonkelaar of Norton Shores and Sherri (Douglas) Sayles of Fruitport; daughter-in-law, Debbie VanDonkelaar of Florida; seven grandchildren: Eric (Laura) VanDonkelaar, Marc (Courtney) VanDonkelaar, Joel VanDonkelaar, Joshua (Andrea) Sayles, Jordan Sayles, Troy VanDonkelaar, and Kirsten VanDonkelaar; four great-grandchildren: Hannah and Harper VanDonkelaar, Brooks VanDonkelaar, and Braden Sayles; brother, Alford (Elaine) VanDonkelaar of Norton Shores; sister, Bertha Grant of Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Dean VanDonkelaar; two brothers: Andrew and Henry; and three sisters: Catherine, Geraldine, and Margaret. We would also like to thank Coastal Connect, LLC, for their caregiving and working on jigsaw puzzles which Gary loved.
A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, January 4, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in Restlawn Cemetery. MEMORIALS to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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