Donald Rykse

No matter what life brought, Donald Rykse fully embraced each moment he was given while deeply loving those around him. He was the sort of man who didn’t sit back and wait for life to happen, rather he took an active role in building a life for himself and his family that was so greatly appreciated. With his outgoing demeanor, Don rarely met a stranger and had a special way of touching the lives of those around him in a profound yet gentle way. Together with the love of his life, he created a lasting legacy that will be carried on through the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren he leaves behind.

As we emerged from WWI a world leader, nations looked to America to set the pace for what was to come during the decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties. Prosperity dominated both the business and industrial sectors and the cultural fabric of our nation was colored with the rising success of baseball, the peak of Broadway, and silent films that gave way to “talkies.” It was within this vibrant time that there was much to celebrate for one young family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on November 4, 1924. Donald Eugene was welcomed into the world by his loving parents, Joseph and Agnes (Deemter) Rykse, and was one of twelve children in his family including his brothers, Bill and Calvin, Russ and sisters, Gertrude, Freda, Eleanor, Margaret, Phyllis, Muriel, Evelyn, and Annette. His father worked as a custodian for Keeler Brass while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Don was just ten years old when tragedy struck in his family with the death of his mother. As a result, the older children including Don took an active role in raising their younger siblings.

During his earliest years, Don lived with his family in their home on Caulfield SW. He attended local public schools including South High School, and he graduated from Davis Tech as part of the class of 1942.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a high school student was Don’s introduction to the young woman with whom he would spend the best years of his life. Her name was Lorraine Maghielse and they dated for about five years beginning in high school. They were physically separated for a time when Don was in the Navy during WWII, but their hearts remained intertwined during this time. While he was home on leave, Don married his sweetheart on July 25, 1945, at the church parsonage. The newlyweds spent a brief honeymoon at his sister’s place in Chicago, but he then returned to the military to fulfill his duty to his country.

After being discharged on December 10, 1945, Don returned to his bride and they settled into married life. They lived with the family on Caulfield for a time, but later moved to the upstairs apartment there. A bit down the road, they moved to a home on Carpenter NW and then to Tamarack NW. From there they moved to Jackson because Don took a job, and they remained there for several years. Once they returned to Grand Rapids, they moved to a home on Webster NW and then to Marsh Ridge Apartments later in life.

Nothing could have been better to Don than being blessed with the births of five wonderful children: Tom, Joel, Randy, Edward, and Donna. As parents Don and Lorraine were united and were inseparable as a team. They were not only husband and wife, but best friends who lived together, worked together, and shared life’s greatest joys and deepest sorrows together. When their children grew older and established families of their own, Don was thrilled to become a grandfather as spending time with their grandchildren quickly became a favorite activity. As some of the original members of Timberlake Resort, Don enjoyed taking them there where memorable times were shared. They also spent many hours taking walks and cutting firewood.

In order to provide for his family, Don worked tirelessly. He was very industrious and worked long hours throughout his career. Don’s work took him to the produce business when he first returned from the service and he began working at Gill Manufacturing, a baby clothes manufacturer, as plant manager. When they later moved to Jackson, Michigan, he worked as the plant manager at White Manufacturing which made hospital gowns. After returning home to Grand Rapids he began managing the Richmond Hills Apartments and was also involved in school photography and sold heavy duty light bulbs at various times through the years.

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed a variety of things. He loved puttering around his house and could always find a use for duct tape whether the project was great or small. Don was generous with what free time he had, regularly giving many hours to coordinate transportation for the students at the Children’s Retreat. He was a great tennis player, even city champion when he was in high school, and he also liked boating and fishing. Lorraine was a devoted animal lover so out of love for his wife, Don tolerated animals through the years. He enjoyed singing and was partial to country music, too.

The past 20 years found Don plagued with various health issues. He battled prostate cancer, had problems with his heart that resulted in a pacemaker, and he also had issues with his kidneys. As time went by, his health issues drained progressively more of his strength and resistance to overcome the challenges that his body had been fighting for so many years. Finally, he developed pneumonia one month ago from which he was unable to recover.

Donald Rykse taught us what it means to work hard and that life is what we make of it, but most of all he taught us what true love and sacrifice means. He effortlessly gave of himself to make life better for those around him and never tired of doing what was right. The memories Don leaves behind have become priceless treasures for his friends and loved ones. He will be deeply missed.

Donald E. Rykse died on Sunday, May 8, 2011. Don’s family includes his wife, Lorraine; children, Tom Rykse, Joel ( Ruth) Rykse, Randy (Mary) Rykse, Edward (Noreen) Rykse, and Donna Zukowski; 18 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; brother, Russ (Lois) Rykse; sister, Evelyn Bremmer; brother-in-law, Ken Rotman; sisters-in-law, Irene Dyke and Jackie Rykse; and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Calvin and Bill; sisters, Gertrude, Freda, Eleanor, Phyllis, Muriel, Margaret, and Annette. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Heritage Lifestory funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday from 1 p.m. until time of service Memorial contributions may be made to Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend NW or West Side Christian School, 955 Westend NW. To leave a memory or sign the guestbook please visit www.lifestorynet.com.