Donald Lee Zandbergen

December 24, 1934 ~
November 7, 2021

Donald Lee Zandbergen, age 86, of Caledonia entered his heavenly home on Sunday, November 7, 2021. He was the son of Henry and Edith Zandbergen of Grandville, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings and grandson, Brandon. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Carol Zandbergen; children, Timothy (Raelynn) Zandbergen, Todd (Sherri) Zandbergen, Jill (Michael) Muller; nine grandchildren, Emilee (Andrew) Schultz, Austin (Mandy) Zandbergen, Abby Trinh, Ashley (Nicholas) Lillie, Tara Zandbergen, Tyler Muller, Leigha (Bradley) Hollenbeck, Andrew Muller and Seth Muller; step grandchildren, Andrew, Joshua and Noah Cole. Don proudly served his country in the United States Army in Germany as a security police officer. He was a member of the board of Directors for Byron Center State Bank for 16 years. Ever the entrepreneur, Don became an auctioneer and created Zandbergen Auction Service in the 1960’s. He would continue to hold estate sales and become one of the most well-known auctioneers in West Michigan for over 50 years. He was one of the oldest cattle buyers in the state of Michigan. Throughout his career he bought cattle for approximately 30 packing plants all over the country. When he wasn’t auctioneering or buying cattle, Don worked on his family farm - Zandbergen Beef Farms in Caledonia, Michigan. Don and Carol raised their family on this farm and it became a focal point for his life. Funeral services will be held 11 am Saturday, November 13 at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest SW, Grandville (please use doors E or H for the Res Center), with Dr. Daniel Farm officiating. Burial Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, and from 10 to 11 am at church on Saturday. Those who wish, may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice or to the Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan.

Leave Your Tribute Message

November 12, 2021 5:59pm
Don (Grandpa Z) as I knew him, always had a smile on his face and knew how to make every one laugh. He was the only one who ever called me Jenny Lynne! I will always remember him for that. And cherish that deep into my heart!! Condolences, love and prayers to all of you!! Jennifer Marquardt

- Jennifer Marquardt

November 12, 2021 5:22pm
Don was a very dear friend of my dad Pete Nyenhuis. He and my dad spent a lot of time together since before I can remember, so for at least 60 years. I remember Jack, Don's hired hand. I remember Don always had a Dalmatian. When snowmobiles came out, Don got one and pulled me on a saucer in the fields by your house on 64th St. He loved to tease me because I was shy and blushed uncontrollably. I even went to his cattle auctions in Wayland with my Dad. He always had a twinkle in his eye. I am so sorry for your loss. Shirley Nyenhuis

- Shirley f Nyenhuis

November 08, 2021 8:26pm
Our heart goes out to you Carol and your Family during this difficult time. Now we No "God" has Don safe in his eternal keeping ! May it comfort you to know friend are thinking of you and remembering you in their prayers.

- wayne sallie hulst

November 08, 2021 5:20pm
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. A great loss of a wise and gracious man. His example is to be praised. My condolences to all.

- Sue Z

November 08, 2021 4:33pm
Don was a wonderful loving and caring man. He was often quiet but when he spoke there was great wisdom that flowed from his lips. I feel blessed to have had him in my life. My sympathies go out to all the family for their great loss. May God’s peace be with you all in this time of loss.

- Jan Wiebenga

November 08, 2021 4:03pm
Dad was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and dedicated to his family. The light of his life was his grand and great-grandchildren. He loved to hold them and hum or sing silly songs to them. He also made it a point to reach out to those around him - to acknowledge others and make them feel special and included. He would remember their names and their families and always ask about them. People mattered to him. There are so many things we could say about who he was, but most importantly, he was loved! We'll miss you Dad!

- Todd & Sherri Z.




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