Donald Lee Van Gorder

Donald Van Gorder, age 84, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026.  He was born on September 4, 1941 to Orville and Irene (Fate) Van Gorder.

From an early age, Don was raised to be a hard worker, spending summers helping his paternal grandparents on their farms. He was a young entrepreneur, mowing lawns for 50 cents each, raking leaves, shoveling snow, and maintaining a paper route. Don said he was always motivated to work, just in case his family needed the money for something.

Don graduated from Godwin Heights High School in 1959 and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1959-1963. On September 16, 1961, he married Karen Louise Bolier after five years of dating. Together, Don and Karen raised three children: Scott, Lori, and Kim.

Don worked for Steelcase for 28 years before he and Karen retired. In 1992, they opened The Great Bread Company, where they baked European breads and pastries. Don passed along his strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren by having them help at the bakery over the years. In 2005, Don and Karen officially retired, selling the bakery to their daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Jeff Meyers, who continue to operate it today.

Don and Karen spent many years traveling across America in their RV, enjoying adventures together until Karen’s passing in 2010. Afterward, Don spent his summers in Michigan surrounded by family, and his winters in Brooksville, Florida, where he had many meaningful friendships.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Irene Van Gorder; his sister, Sandra Vredeveld; and his beloved wife, Karen VanGorder.

He is survived by his three children: Scott (Susan) Van Gorder, Lori (Michael) Buitendorp, and Kimberly (Jeffery) Meyers; his eight grandchildren: Alex (Amber) Van Gorder, Hännah (Ashley) Ferguson, Amanda (Chad) Konyndyk, Andrew Bielecki, Kaylee (Lodrick) Williams, Sydney (Adam) Strickling, Jeffery (Michaela) Meyers, and Nicholas Meyers; and his 15 great-grandchildren. Don was very proud to have attended each of his grandchildren’s weddings, traveling across the nation to celebrate them. His strength, dedication, and love live on through his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming with Rev. John Vallier officiating.  Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-5 pm at  Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Harbor Hospice Poppen House.