Donald M. Bonnema

BONNEMA, Donald M. Kalamazoo Passed away Friday, July 3, 2009 after battling Alzheimer's. Don was born December 30, 1933 in Kalamazoo, a son of William J. and Anna Kiel Bonnema and was a lifelong resident of the area. He co-owned and operated William J. Bonnema & Sons Construction Co. with his father, brothers and most recently his son Doug. Examples of his artistic craftsmanship with brick, stone and block can be seen in many structures throughout Southwest Michigan. He was a member of Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church where he served as an Elder, Sunday School teacher and a member of the Singing Crusaders Male Chorus, since 1947. He loved hunting, fishing and bowling, as well as racing hydroplanes in his younger days. Don served his country in the United States Army and was stationed near Heidleberg, Germany. On April 1, 1955, he married Dorothy Nieboer, who survives. Also surviving are their children, Dan Kathy Bonnema of Kalamazoo, Doug Sally Bonnema of Climax and Dianne Scott Zurawski of Plainwell; 4 grandchildren, Rachel, Sarah, Sandy and Bill; one brother, John Robert Katherine Bonnema of Portage; two sisters-in-law, Dixie Bonnema and Joan Bonnema; a brother-in-law, Carl Doornbos; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, William and Marvin Bonnema; and 2 sisters, Marilyn Walters and Joyce Doornbos. Private committal services by Rev. Harold Cupery will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A memorial luncheon will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church, 9316 Oakland Dr. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Heartland Hospice, Alzheimer's Association, Senior Services or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave.