Donald H. Koetsier

All who were blessed to know and love Donald Koetsier will certainly agree that he truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He made the most of every moment and took nothing for granted, and he exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord he loved so much. Devoted to his family above all else, Don took every chance to hold his loved ones close. His generosity left an unforgettable impact in the lives of so many. A powerful role model of hard work and compassion for all those who looked up to him, Don will be forever missed and remembered.

The early 1940s were tumultuous years for many all around the world as a new decade unfolded. Eyes were focused overseas as WWII raged on. Here at home in the United States, the Great Depression still hung over the nation. During such trying times, it was important for everyone to appreciate the joys that came along. Nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the household of Harry and Gertrude (Flik) Koetsier in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they announced the arrival of their second son. Born on April 1 of 1940, Donald Harry joined his older brother, Bob, in the Koetsier family. Over the next several years, Don became an older brother himself to his three younger sisters, Jeanne, Sharon, and Shirley.

Don enjoyed a typical childhood of his generation. He was born in their home on 9th Street in Grand Rapids.

They lived in a couple of other houses throughout Don’s childhood before eventually settling back down in their home on 9th Street. First at Caledonia Lakeside Park, where his dad was the park caretaker and then in the farm owned by Dr. M.R. DeHaan on Peach Ridge, where he and his brother Bob and sister Jeanne attended Pearsall School, a one room schoolhouse.

Don’s father, Harry, supported the family as an egg and poultry salesman while his mother, Gertrude, cared for the children and ran the house as a dedicated homemaker. From a young age, Don was a bundle of energy. He enjoyed playing baseball, riding horses with his brother, Bob, and driving the tractor around.

He moved on to Stocking Elementary, where he was the safety captain. During his high school years attending Union High School, Don spent most of his time helping his father with his work. He graduated from Union High School in 1958, eager to see what the future held.

Even when he was young, Don was an amazing and thoughtful big brother. He would buy his two younger sisters treats to enjoy, after bribing them to rub his back. All throughout his life, Don would be known as the brother and son to call, when you just needed to talk.

Following his graduation from high school, Don began working for a camera shop downtown, delivering film. He soon took a job repairing vending machines for Coca Cola. Don would take the top sales in vending machines while repairing them due to his friendly demeanor selling the machines to clients that no one could land for the company. After about four years, he began working for the City of Grand Rapids. He first worked in the parking division, then moved to the water department and would eventually work his way up to his position as the supervisor of the water meter team. Don poured more than 30 years of hard work into his career for the city.

Of all the things Don loved in life, he cherished his family above all else. In the early 1960s, he met Judy Gauw at Calvary Church. The two were soon married and welcomed their two children, Kimberly and Donald, into their hearts and home. He thrived in his role as a father, and his kids were his greatest pride and joy.

The Koetsier family enjoyed camping at Ludington and Grand Haven, first in a pop-up and later in a trailer. Their favorites included Ludington State Park and Grand Marais. Though his marriage to Judy would come to an end after about ten years, Don was eternally grateful for the family they had built together. He would call his kids every day, just to check in, and he picked them up every week to bring them to church.

In the late 1970s, Don was fortunate to once again find love with the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Carol Boersma, and when the two were first introduced, sparks flew. Within months, the two knew that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Don and Carol were united in marriage on March 30, 1979.

Later in life, Don was overjoyed to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He adored his grandkids, and he doted on them whenever he could. Don’s family was certainly his greatest treasure.

Don could often be found volunteering through his lifelong church home, Calvary Church, counting collections and helping out in the two year-old nursery. His faith was his top priority, and Ephesians 4:29-32 was his favorite passage of Scripture. In his free time, Don enjoyed surrounding himself with his family and friends. He would go out to socialize frequently, sometimes meeting friends at restaurants or coffee shops several times a day. When the radio was on, Don would be listening to baseball games or Gospel music. His collections of solar-powered motion toys and bobbleheads were his claims to fame.

When reflecting on the life of Donald Koetsier, it is easy to celebrate a man who overflowed with such kindness and selflessness. He was an unwavering source of strength, no matter the circumstances. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Don cherished every moment spent with his family. No one remained a stranger for long, and he lit up every room with his charisma and jokes. Although he is already so greatly missed, Don leaves behind a wonderful mosaic of wisdom and memories, and his legacy of service will be carried on for many generations to come.

Donald Harry Koetsier, age 85, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026. He was born April 1, 1940, to Harry and Gertrude (Flik) Koetsier. Don was a devoted husband to Carol (Boersma) and a loving father to Kimberly and Donald Koetsier. He was a proud grandfather to Jessica (Julian) and Jackie, and a cherished great-grandfather to nine. He is also survived by his sisters Jeanne (Jerry) Daverman, Sharon (Earl) Jenkins, and Shirley Koetsier, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert (Patricia). Don worked for the City of Grand Rapids Water Department for over 30 years before retiring. A lifelong member of Calvary Church, his faith in Christ was central to his life. He was known for warmly inviting others to church and sharing his testimony. Don will also be remembered as being affectionately known for his dad jokes and for his love of traveling throughout Michigan and enjoying meals at Russ' Restaurant, Mr. Burger, and Van's Pastry Shoppe. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, March 4 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes- Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Calvary Church (96 and the Beltline), with a luncheon to follow. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rest Haven Homes in Don’s memory. Celebrate Don’s life by sharing a favorite memory or photo on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com