Donald Balkema

Donald died Thursday morning, May 19, 2022, in Kalamazoo. He was born March 13, 1947, son of the late Henry and Josephine (VanDyk) Balkema and had been a lifelong area resident. Donald was also preceded in death by an infant grandson, Nathan Balkema; a brother, David Balkema; and a sister, Joanne Vlietstra.

Donald worked in the excavating business his whole life and was owner/operator of Balkema Sand and Gravel. He was a member of Covenant United Reformed Church. When Donald wasn't working, he enjoyed restoring tractors and traveling.

On January 30, 1968, Donald married the former Susan DeMoore, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Donald (Laurel) Balkema, Linda Klomparens, Mark (Kimberlie) Balkema, Brian (Audrey) Balkema, and Steven (Nicole) Balkema; grandchildren, Michael Balkema, Joshua (Kelsey) Balkema, Nicole Balkema, Melissa (Evan) Tomilo, Zachary (Lauren) Klomparens, Casandra (Gary) DeRushia, Kylie (Chris) Boer, Rachel, Jacob, Bethany, Seth, and Isaac Balkema, Andrew, Natalie, and Josie Balkema, Emma, Corbin, and Harper Balkema. ; great-grandchildren, Colton and Hailey Balkema, Madison Tomilo, Rueben, Elise, and Drew Klomparens, Olivia, Isaac, and Theo DeRushia, Hugh Boer; sisters, Mary (Marvin) Vlietstra, and Esther (John) Uramkin; sister-in-law, Nellie Balkema; brother-in-law, Clarence Vlietstra; and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donald's family will receive guests on Tuesday morning, May 24, 2022, from 9:30 to 11:00 at Covenant United Reformed Church, 3724 Lovers Ln., Kalamazoo MI 49001. Funeral services will begin 11:00. Private graveside services will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Donald's memory to Centrica Care Navigators or Alternatives of Kalamazoo. Services entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo MI 49007. To view Donald's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com