Donald E. Benninger, age 77, of Jenison, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Don loved spending time with his family and was also proud of his service to his country in the U.S. Navy.  In addition, he served in law enforcement in the communities of both Muskegon and Kentwood for 20 years and was the Director of Safety and Security for Lescoa Corporation. Upon retirement, he drove the bus for the Georgetown Senior Center. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Judith Benninger; his special fur baby, Toby; children; Brenda and Mark Campbell, Kim and Darl Nelson, Tammy Walsh, Kathy and Mike Ryktarsyk, Kelly and Joe Cleveland; grandchildren; Karen and Seth Berghorst, Kristin and Patrick Nesbit, Lucas and Carolyn Hoezee, Derek and Catie Nelson, Tony and Laura Nelson, Rylee Walsh, Chris and Kelly Fite, Ashlyn Fite, Alli Ryktarsyk, Tyler Cleveland and his fiancée, Kait Waterloo, Trenton Cleveland; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Frank and Jackie Benninger; brother-in-law, Jerry and Mary Scott; nieces and nephew, Jon and Gina Benninger, Shannon Funk, Courtney and Eric Weiler; special friend, Donald Tassell; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Sulsal Haque and the Metro Health Cancer Center Team, and Faith Hospice. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Fellowship Reformed Church, 6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville, with Rev. Shawn Hulst officiating.  Interment will be held at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Muskegon. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, January 12, from 4-7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. An additional visitation will be held on Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Jenison Pink Out (P.O. Box 541, Jenison, MI 49429).

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 10, 2020 9:07am
What a guy! Always grabbed your attention with his genuine and authentic kindness. Prayers to everyone. -The Buchholz Family

- Matthew John Buchholz

January 10, 2020 6:11am
May God bless and comfort you all in this time of eminence loss.Many years have gone buy but our memories of Don and Judy have never been forgotten. Bob and Carole Carter

- Robert and Carole Carter

January 09, 2020 5:38pm
Several years ago I worked with Tammy and I learned a lot about her family. Since then, she and I are friends on Facebook which has given me the opportunity to learn even more about her family. One thing for sure, she had tremendous respect, love, and adoration for her father. From looking at her Facebook page I have come to realize that he was respected, loved, and adored by his whole family, and equally I am sure by anyone who knew him. Losing someone to death is such a difficult experience, but I sincerely pray that his family and friends realize that if it was his time to go Home, how wonderful he took the feelings of love, respect, and adoration with him. He was blessed to experience that and those were gifts he will carry to Heaven. God bless you all with peace and comfort.

- Shelley Mosher

January 09, 2020 2:38pm
Judy & family, So saddened to hear this. Don was a wonderful family man and a great neighbor. Sending loving thoughts and prayers to your entire family.

- Mary Hoeksema, Kara & Lindsey

January 08, 2020 5:33pm
God bless you with peace beyond all understanding. I’m so sorry for your loss. Love, Ann

- Ann Westervelt

January 08, 2020 2:18pm
We are so sorry for your families loss of a wonderful man. We pray that god will comfort you all in your time of need.

- Tisha DeByle

January 08, 2020 1:13pm
I will miss that big smile and the laughs we had whenever we met. You were one of the best and that's for sure. Judy and kids our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love to all. Dave & Pat Hoek

- David Hoek




Order flowers for Donald's service.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

Classic Sympathy

Blooming Duo

Bells of Beauty

Beautiful Memories

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

Keola Stress Less Gummies

Relieve stress and anxiety with Keola Stress Less Gummies.

Keola Pain Relief Balm

Ease aches, and sooth sore joints with Keola Pain Relief Balm.