Donald Molewyk

We will remember Donald Molewyk for his perfectionistic tendencies, his eternal optimism, and his insatiable zest for life, but it will be his unending love for his family that will be his lasting legacy. With his true love by his side for more than 60 years, he taught us so much about what it means to live. It was easy to see that Don possessed an unwavering faith as his constant companion, and it was this same faith that put both the joy in his step and the song in his heart. A man of great character, constant strength, and compassionate love for those around him, Don will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished by many.

Deep in the heart of the decade known as the Roaring Twenties, 1925 boasted of several noteworthy events. Calvin Coolidge became the first United States President to have his inauguration broadcast over the radio and the Chrysler Corporation was founded while jazz music, movies available in both color and sound, and countless Broadway shows entertained us. This year was one to remember for one young family from Moline, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on July 24th. Donald Herman was the fourth of five children born to his parents, Henry and Lena (Mast) Molewyk, and was raised in the family home alongside his sisters, Catherine, Lavina, and Margaret, and his brother, Clarence. Through the years Don was especially close to both Clarence and Margaret.

For the most part Don experienced an upbringing that was typical for the time. His father worked as a farmer while his mother was a busy homemaker. Don developed his sweet tooth during his formative years and even learned how to make fudge at an early age. In order to keep the fudge for himself he hid it in the grain drill, although his father did stumble upon it on one occasion. Don attended Moline Christian School through the eighth grade where he was an excellent student who skipped a grade. He went on to Caledonia High School where he earned his letter playing baseball. Don was also excellent at table tennis as he was both the singles and doubles champion of the school. With a thirst for knowledge, he often read encyclopedias during his school day. Don graduated as his class salutatorian in 1942.

Although Don began taking classes at Davenport College of Business, he was drafted into the Army in 1943. He honorably served as a clerk in a medical office as he had excellent typing skills. Throughout his time in the service Don was stationed in England as part of the European Theater until he was discharged in September of 1945.

When he returned to Michigan, Don began working at General Motors Saginaw Gear while waiting for acceptance into Calvin College. He was thrilled to begin classes at Calvin in January of 1946, and he later transferred to the University of Michigan, graduating with a degree in business administration in 1949.

Don worked at Housemans and Jones Men’s Store during the summers and while on break as a young man. Life was forever changed when he waited on a young girl named Kathy Ebbers who came in to purchase a shirt for her father. A week later Don called Kathy for a date not once, but twice, and both times she was busy. Apparently the third time’s the charm as she finally accepted. He almost blew it on their first date, however, as they met for lunch and Don was very late after completing a large sale at work. Don later took Kathy to a Harlem Globetrotters game, and on yet another one of their dates her father needed to help Don push his car when it wouldn’t start.

After dating for two years the couple was married on March 30, 1950, at Alpine Avenue Christian Reformed Church, but they soon began attending a new church, Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church that was meeting at Oakleigh School. When the church later built a new location, Don and Kathy were charter members.

As a young husband Don began working as a customer service representative for GMAC, and it wasn’t long before he and Kathy were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Linda, in 1952. She was followed by Terry in 1955 and Mary in 1958. The growing Molewyk family lived on Covell NW from 1952 through 1960, but they moved to Muskegon for three years when Don received a promotion that same year.

There were numerous things that enriched Don’s life. He and his family developed a love for both snow and water skiing while living in Muskegon, and every Wednesday and Saturday usually found them doing just that, although only after their chores were done to perfection. Snow skiing took them to both Sugarloaf and Caberfae, and when kids were younger Don took them up on the tow rope with them hanging on between his legs. He snow skied until he was 70 and water skied double at the age of 73. Don was an avid University of Michigan fan who tailgated with his fellow alumns every year. He enjoyed fishing locally and in Canada, and he grilled everything to perfection. Don enjoyed Lawrence Welk music and attended performances by the Grand Rapids Symphony with his wife every year. He loved eating out, but was quite particular as he always wanted to be seated by a window and have a round table for ease of conversation. The Schnitzelbank Restaurant was one of his favorites. Don loved his mother's lemon meringue pie and anything with real whipped cream. Then again, just the whipped cream was fine, too! He was active in his church serving as an Elder, Deacon and other denominational committees. His service to his community included the Guiding Light Mission, West YMCA, Muskegon Christian School Board and the Grand Rapids Christian High Board.

In the late nineties, Don was diagnosed with dementia and although his memory eventually faded, his gentle demeanor brought him even closer to his family.

Through the life of Donald Molewyk we are reminded that it is through loving others that we are richly blessed. He treasured his family throughout his life and generously gave to those around him as well. The memories Don leaves behind will be a priceless treasure for generations to come.

Donald H. Molewyk died on February 4, 2012. Don’s family includes his wife, Kathleen; children, Linda (Thomas) DeBoer, Terry (Kathryn) Molewyk, and Mary (Robert) Molewyk Doornbos; grandchildren, Kristina (Andrew) Meyer, Matthew and Mark Molewyk, and Eric Doornbos; great-grandchildren, Anna, Luke and Caleb Meyer; sister, Margaret (Purcell) Petroelje; and sister-in-law Verna (Joe) Betten. Don was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Catherine (Adrian) Veurink and Lavina (John) Ringnalda; brother, Clarence (Dorothy) Molewyk; brother-in-law, Kenneth Ebbers; and sister-in-law, Edith Ebbers. The Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend NW. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions may be made to Christian Schools International, Grand Rapids Christian High School or West Side Christian School. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory or photo.