Desmond Gadziemski

Desmond James Gadziemski, 15 years old, tragically passed away at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital after a car accident late on December 31, 2024.

He is survived by his mother, Allie Gadziemski; father, Jim (Laura) Gadziemski; brothers, Jarrett (21), Calvin (19), Louis (12); stepsisters, Jessica (35), Cheyenne (15); stepbrother, Todd (36); as well as grandparents, Thomas and Candace Good, of Highland, Michigan.

Desi was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2011, and was homeschooled until 8th grade. He attended East Grand Rapids Middle School for 8th grade and East Kentwood High School for 9th and 10th grade. He was loved by teachers and students, was excited about advanced woodshop in second semester, and enjoyed his Latin class the most.

He was passionate about Boy Scouts, becoming an Eagle Scout at age 14, earning 55 merit badges and 6 Eagle Palms- an incredible achievement. He loved camping, cooking, riding his e-bike, music, fitness, dancing, gaming on his x-box, and he enjoyed spending time with friends. He was fashionable, always growing his Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren collection, and aspired to attend culinary school to become a chef and own his own food truck. He was playful, amusing and always the vibrant life of the party, radiating unmatched charisma, charm and energy.

While attending East Kentwood High School, he worked part-time at Brass Ring Brewing as a dishwasher and all-around helper. He loved his job, forming close friendships with the people that he worked with since beginning employment there at age 14.  It is hard to find someone more eager to go to work than Desi. 

Desi was kind, helpful, respectful, and a friend to all. He was very social and made people laugh when they needed a smile, quick to offer a hug and uplifting words. He genuinely cared about people, taking interest in their lives. He was punctual, reliable, and responsible, completing drivers training and looking forward to obtaining his driver's license on his 16th birthday in April. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf (MKD) Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville.  A service to celebrate Desi’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 7, at 11:00 a.m. at MKD Funeral Home, followed by burial at Georgetown Township Cemetery at 6921 28th Ave., Hudsonville, MI 49426. Luncheon to follow at Brass Ring Brewing, 2404 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Boy Scout Troop 290 (6648 Gleneagles Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546) or No Swine Left Behind (2537 Coral Rd. NE, Edmore, MI 48829) in honor of Desi.