Donald Duane Tillema

Donald Duane Tillema, age 96, of Grand Rapids, was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September, 12, 2025. Humble, generous, and kind, Don lived a life rich in faith and family, dedicated to helping others. With careful thought, resourcefulness, and creativity, he provided encouragement and comfort to many. He possessed a quick wit that inspired much laughter. His work ethic, family, unwavering faith and integrity inspired all who were blessed to know him. Don was a role model and mentor, who consciously lived each day with his faith and integrity as his guidebook. 

The fourth of five Tillema children born at home, Don grew up Portage, MI. His father, Ike, mother, Mina (Wilhelmina Sootsman), raised him on the firm foundation of faith, teaching him how to forgive, be a good listener, and serve others. As a child, he worked in the celery fields at his home and later drove the produce in a semi to be sold in Illinois and Wisconsin.

As a teen, Don and his buddies were mischievous and known pranksters. They enjoyed breaking the rules but not the punishment that followed. Don also confessed to once using a crane, temporarily located on school property for construction, to lift the principal’s car onto the roof of the school! 

He was an outstanding basketball player – playing on the Varsity team all four years at Portage Central High School, an avid swimmer, tennis and golf player.

At the age of 19, Don began working for Michigan Bell Telephone as a lineman, gradually working through the levels in the company he retired after 42 years as a Division Manager. 

Don married the love of his life, Eleanor (VanDenBerg), in 1949 and they were thrilled to be parents when their daughters Deb and Jill in were born. He was a proud father who encouraged and supported his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren, investing time in their lives, cheering on their endeavors and sharing his skills (he was a gifted handyman) whenever requested. He also nurtured relationships with dear friends, who have all passed on before him.

He confidently faced many health challenges and rarely complained.

Don is survived by his wife Eleanor; daughters Deborah Kragt, Jill (Terry) Vroegindewey; Brother-in-law Donald VanDenBerg, sister-in-law Ruth (David) Garrett; grandchildren Ryan (Kristen) Kragt, Kelly (Keith) Franken, Amy (Blake) Kelly, Jason (Megan) Vroegindewey; great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Matthew and Alex Kragt, Ethan and Kennedy Franken, Logan, Brielle and Addilyn Kelly, Charlee, Mitchell, Mia, Cade Vroegindewey, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his son-in-law, Bob Kragt, his siblings and their spouses, Gerald (Cornelia), Jay (Beverly) Tillema, Henrietta (Hank) Griffoen, Hilda (Bud) Zwaagman, sister-in-law Virginia (Bob) Spitters and brother-in-law Charles Newhouse. 

The family will receive relatives and friends at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Chapel (Kentwood), 4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE, on Friday, September 19 from 10:00 to 11:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am. A Private family burial will be held at Mount Ever Rest Cemetery.  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.