Donald Kwiatkowski

Donald Joseph Kwiatkowski lived a life of dedication and commitment - to his family, his friends, and to his work. He spent his days putting effort into every endeavor he took on, serving as a perfect example of a father to his children.

Born on April 30, 1925, Donald's parents welcomed him into the family alongside his five siblings, Josephine, Agnes, Leona, Walter, and Louis. Donald's parents, Walter and Theresa Kwiatkowski, were Polish immigrants, looking to the United States for new opportunities for their family. They resided in Ottawa County, Michigan, and were a family of farmers, dedicated to growing crops that could provide for their community. Each of the children had many farm chores, and this would be the beginning of Donald's experience putting forth all of his effort to contribute to family.

Donald attended Sand Creek Elementary School through the 8th grade, which was typical in those days. He lived during the depression, but probably had it better than most, living on a farm that produced a lot of food. There was always plenty to eat for Donald and his family. In his younger days, Donald enjoyed playing the guitar and singing as a creative outlet for his young, growing mind. Raised in a religious family, Donald attended St. Adalbert’s Church, where he learned ideals of kindness, compassion, and gratitude. These are lessons Donald kept with him always, and would eventually share with his own children.

St. Adalbert’s Church would be the same place that Donald would be married years later to the love of his life, Leta Sjoerdsma. The two had met at a friends home, and dated for 15 years before tying the knot on October 8, 1977. Donald had been blessed with two children from a previous marriage, Patricia and David. Leta and Donald would add two more wonderful children to the family as well, Theresa in 1978, and Tony in 1980.

Donald worked as an auto body repairman at Riverbend Body Shop in Standale for 40 years. He still worked the farm, growing many vegetables for roadside stand sales, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, corn squash and pumpkins. Donald could do almost anything with his hands, and proved this over and over from the vegetables he grew to the cars he fixed.

Family was of utmost importance to Donald, and he made sure that everyone was together on the holidays. Although his father died in the 60s and his mother later in the 70s, Donald kept his sense of strong family ties. He knew many people, and was a great conversationalist, leading to a flourishing social life full of great friends. Leta knew that when Donald struck up a conversation with someone that it may be some time before they would be ready to go home. This was in Donald's nature, though, and he rarely sat still. There was always a project to be done.

Donald was a huge fan of the outdoors, and often took his family camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula during the summer. He loved country music and old time, some of his favorites being Hank Williams, Roy Acuff, Gene Autry and the like. A meat and potatoes kind of guy, Donald loved the simple things, as well as all of his beloved Polish dishes - kielbasa, golumbki, and pierogies.

Donald was a John Deer man and had 2 favorite tractors, John Deer Model B and a Model 60, which his son Tony restored. He loved tinkering with his tractors and was always fiddling with either the garden, the tractor, or whatever other project he could get his hands on.

Blessed with four grandchildren, Donald continued being committed to his family throughout his life. Katelynn, Stephanie, Natalie Rose, and Avery Jo were truly a light in Donald's life, always reminding him that life is precious and never should be taken for granted. He was known as a real push-over, and would do anything to see the little ones smile. Protecting and loving, Donald was an amazing grandfather.

Donald had suffered heart attacks in the 70s, but had recovered from them, pushing on to take care of his family. He had been suffering from congestive heart failure the past few years, and was hospitalized in 2008. He spent some time in the hospital, recovering in Allendale Nursing home before returning home. Last month he had more heart problems was hospitalized, again being admitted to Allendale Nursing home, where his health sadly began to diminish this time. His family visited him often, showing much love and support. He unfortunately took a turn for the worse, and his loving wife Leta was at his side when he died at 3:31 PM, Wednesday July 1, 2009.

Don was a loving and dedicated brother, husband, father, grandfather and a good neighbor. He was dedicated to his faith, his family and his farm. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Leta Kwiatkowski (Sjoerdsma); his children, Patricia (Kevin) Nieboer, David Kwiatkowski, Theresa (David) Lefler, Tony Kwiatkowski; grandchildren, Katelynn, Stephanie, Natalie Rose, Avery Jo; his mother-in-law, Lillian Smith; his sister, Josephine Hartung; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom (Jan) Sjoerdsma, Carol (Dave) Wolters, Ted (Kathy) Sjoerdsma, Frank Smith, Betty (Don) Foster, Mike (Deb) Smith, Bonnie (Kiehl) Jennett, Pauline (Ralph) Lovell; many nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Theresia (Zawadski) Kwiatkowski, his siblings, Agnes Peckens, Leona Mishler, Walter Kwiatkowski and Louis Kwiatkowski. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. in Grandville, MI where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends may meet his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with the rosary prayed at 7:00 PM. To read more about Donald’s life, to leave your own memory of him and to sign his guest book, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.