Donald Teitsma

Donald Ray Teitsma, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

Don was raised on the West Side of Grand Rapids and attended Grand Rapids Christian High School. After retiring from Meijer, he was involved in real estate, building, and home remodeling. He was also very involved in youth ministry. Don was always eager to help someone in need, teach a skill, or provide an opportunity. He even traveled to Africa to teach young men about starting a business. He also played a crucial role in securing the opportunity for the expansion of the Madison Square Campuses.

He possessed a welcoming nature that made everyone feel like they belonged. His quiet strength, love for helping others, and willingness to do silly things to make us laugh will be missed deeply. In recent years, he found great joy in reading and the peacefulness of sitting on the porch looking over the water.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Penni Teitsma; children, Tammy (Ron) Schollaart, Tom (Rocky) Teitsma, Traci Zimmer (Aaron Crow), Toni (Cutivetti) Dye; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Nancy Mersman, Rob (Barb) Teitsma, Betsy (Greg) Broene, David (Sue) Teitsma; sisters-in-law, Jan Parmeter, Jenni (Wayne) Heiselman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Todd N. Teitsma; and his parents, Peter and Anne Teitsma.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, at 5342 Waterwood Lane, Lowell, MI 49331, with Pastor Brad Knetsch officiating. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to contact Traci Zimmer at tracizimmersnc@gmail.com