Donald Tillema Obituary
The memory of Donald Tillema of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who passed away on September 12, 2025 at the age of 96, will forever remain in the hearts of those touched by this precious presence in their lives. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Ike and Mina (Wilhelmina Sootsman); his son-in-law Bob Kragt; his siblings, Gerald (Cornelia), Jay Tillema (Beverly), Henrietta Griffoen (Hank) and Hilda Zwaagman (Bud); his sister-in-law Virginia Spitters (Bob); Charles Newhouse.
He is survived by: his wife Eleanor (VanDenBerg); his daughters, Deborah Kragt and Jill Vroegindewey (Terry); his siblings-in-law, Donald VanDenBerg and Ruth Garrett (David); his grandchildren, Ryan Kragt (Kristen), Kelly Franken (Keith), Amy Kelly (Blake) and Jason Vroegindewey (Megan); and his great grandchildren, Katelyn, Matthew, Alex Kragt, Ethan, Kennedy Franken, Logan, Brielle, Addilyn Kelly, Charlee, Mitchell, Mia and Cade Vroegindewey. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on Friday, September 19th 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Chapel (4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508). A celebration of life was held on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 11:00 AM at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Other Way Ministries, 710 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, where Don frequently volunteered.
