Jim and Donna Nestell's Obituary
Donna May Nestell passed away August 26, 2023. She was born to Orrin and Alice Johnston in Muskegon, Michigan on February 4, 1939. She lived her whole life in West Michigan. Donna worked at Ravenna Public Schools, retiring after 29 years. Donna had said numerous times that working at Ravenna Schools was the best job ever. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, Lorna and John Buist.
James Lawrence Nestell passed away September 1, 2023. He was born to Leonard and Evelyn Nestell in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 9, 1937. James' family moved to the Sullivan Township area when he was 4 years old. James worked at the family grocery store on Heights Ravenna Rd, Nestells Grocery, prior to his father's death, then James worked for Sealed Power retiring after 27 years. James was preceded in death by his parents, and stepdad, Ormond. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years by 6 days. He is survived by a stepsister, Annette (Lester) Koder.
Jim and Donna were married on August 31, 1957. Together they raised four children: Scott (Margaret) Nestell, Suzanne (Bruce) Houseman, Deanna (Ken) VanderWal, and Jeffrey (Susan) Nestell. They had 11 grandchildren: Cecilia (Eric) Gillish, Samantha (Kevin) Nestell, Amy (Michael) Lewis, Todd (Hailey) Nestell, Erin (Jesse) Warman, Halle (Charles) Mash, Mitchell VanderWal, Kevin VanderWal, Nathan VanderWal, Sarah (Zach) Nestell, and Hannah Nestell; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Jim and Donna loved to play cribbage together, spent time with the Hi-Nabors Square dance club, and belonged to two different motorcycle clubs and traveled the country with them. They also liked to go to the local car races. Other hobbies included watching the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, and reading was a great pastime as well. They made sure to take each grandchild on a special vacation, enjoyed feeding the squirrels and birds on their back deck, and were very fortunate to have traveled to all 50 states.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Jim and Donna will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Fruitport Community Church (9 S. 8th Ave., Fruitport, MI 49415). VISITATION will be from 5-8 PM Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 (231) 853-6511 and also one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. MEMORIALS to the Alzheimer’s Association or a Hospice of your choice will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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