Donald Eugene Ryerson

Donald Eugene Ryerson, age 96, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, February 11, 2019. He was born January 21, 1923, to Russell and Alice Ryerson. Donald was the embodiment of the Greatest Generation: Steadfast, loyal, hardworking and faithful. He was a quiet veteran of WWII who worked for many years at Wheeler-Van Label Co. Donald and his wife, Marjorie, celebrated 71 years of marriage on October 9, 2018. His life was a testament to his faith in Christ, his values and his family will cherish the memories made during his incredible 96 years. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Alice Ryerson; and sister, Elinor (Gerald) Wierda. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marjorie (Ritsema) Ryerson; children, Nancy (Larry) Ruster, Denise (Adrian) VanDonkelaar, James (Jane) Ryerson; grandchildren, Matthew (Julie) Ruster, Dan (fiancee Jennifer Engvall), Angie (Derrick) Murph, Jill Ruster, Katherine (Ryan) Chisum, Melissa (Troy) Widener, Elizabeth (Harrison) Townsley, Anna (fiance Kyle Shattuck) Ryerson; great grandchildren, Jade, Alexa, Colton, Kendall, Carley, Lydia, Ethan; and sister, Verna (Jay) Van Sweden. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Drive SW, with Pastor Shane Floyd officiating. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Sunset Legacy Foundation.

Leave Your Tribute Message

February 21, 2019

Mrs. Ryerson, Denise, Nancy & Jim, I wish I could be at today’s service and tell you all in person how much your husband and dad meant to me. I met him when he & Mrs. Ryerson moved into Waterford Place and I knew he was special. His humor, kindness and love for his family and friends was evident to all. I hope to visit Mrs. Ryerson in the next couple weeks. Continuing to lift you up in prayer and rejoicing that he has reached his heavenly home! In Christ, Andrea Vernon

- Andrea Vernon

February 18, 2019

Dear Ryerson Family, We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of Uncle Don. We know he is now with his Savior in Heaven and we will be united with him. Praying for your peace and comfort. Love, Perry and Colette

- Perry and Colette Gustafson

February 16, 2019

Dear Ruster Family, We are so sorry for your loss your father/grandfather. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate his life. Peace to all of you.

- Jim and Hilda

February 15, 2019

May God bless your family with peace and joy knowing that Don is now with our Lord and Savior. He is and always will be remembered as a sweet, kind, and soft spoken gentleman whom will never be forgotten at Beverly Reformed Church. He and Marge are loved and missed so very much.

- Reg and Linda Bruner (Beverly Reformed Church)