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Donald Lubbers Obituary
Holt, Michigan
Just one week after attending his grandson's high school graduation in Raleigh, North Carolina, "Lubby" passed away unexpectedly from an aggressive form of leukemia on June 21, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence; mother, Thelma; and wife, Nancie. He is survived by his brother, Jerry; daughters, Deborah Fox and Kim; son, Steven; daughter-in-law, Sharon; wonderful grandsons, Tommy and Payne; extended family, Mike Mason and Sue Carpenter; and special friend, Anna Johannson.
Don grew up in Constantine, MI and was a 1954 Hope College graduate. He served in the military and while stationed in Hawaii, his first daughter, Deborah, was born. Don and Nancie moved to Holt in 1956 where he took a job with Auto-Owners and Nancie became a teacher. Don served on the Holt School Board for 22 years and was also a member of Holt Kiwanis Club for many years.
Don was an avid golfer and spent most of his retirement years working his dream job as a golf ranger at his second home, Eldorado Golf Course, in Mason. He played on numerous golf leagues and had a heck of a game right up until the end. His hobbies ranged from re-gripping golf clubs to magically repairing the uncommon household problem that neighbors and family members would bring to him; he was gifted in the art of fixing all things broken and improving upon those things that worked.
His volunteer work had him collecting the coin donations at area Burger Kings, which help to keep the McRee Guest House at McLaren Greater Lansing up and running. He also volunteered for Lifeline where he enjoyed the challenges of setting up personal alarms for the elderly and at-risk community members.
Don will be remembered for being a wonderful and caring man who enjoyed being with his friends and family; he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family will be receiving visitors at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel on Thursday, June 23, from 4-7 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at Eldorado in Mason on Friday, June 24, from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the McRee Guest House in Lansing, MI.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Lubbers
Sponsored by Estes-Leadley Funeral Homes Holt-Delhi Chapel.
Steven VanDyke
June 16, 2019
Don was the best Lexus driving buddy I ever had. He loved talking about his family. He will forever be missed
Diane Dygart
July 12, 2016
Deb, Steve, and Kim,
I am very saddened by the loss of your dad. Not only was he a great father to you, my friends, but Don was also a good friend to me over the many years I have lived in "the neighborhood". Seeing him at Eldo, driving past my house, and most recently as a customer at Ace hardware, where I helped him pick out a couple hanging baskets for his porch. I will truly miss him. Keep your memories close to your heart and find peace that he is reunited with your mom after all these years. In peace and friendship, Di
Colleen Mitchell
June 24, 2016
Kim & family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your father left quite a lasting legacy of memories and countless lives touched. He'll be missed by many I'm sure.
Praying that you and your family can find comfort in the embrace of God who knows your pain and who can understand your heartache.
Melissa Leigh
June 24, 2016
I just loved Don. He never failed to make me smile. Thursday nights at Eldorado will never be the same. I will miss his smiling face and his smiley faces. God bless your family.
June 24, 2016
My condolences to you and your Family Kim, I will you in my families thoughts.
-Ben Marciniak-Jennings
Mike & Mary Jo Carpenter
June 24, 2016
Will miss those Eldo days seeing you and Jack so happy doing your jobs there. You were always a gracious and kind person and uncle. I know you and Aunt Nancy are truly together forever. Prayers and thoughts go out to Debbie, Steve & Kim.
Tom Goddwin
June 24, 2016
Steve, sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Cherish those happy memories.
Your Golf Pal and Big Ten Golf Czar
Tom Goodwin
Bobbi Cornell
June 24, 2016
Kim, so sorry for you loss. Sounds like he was a great man and father - I hope you find comfort in your memories of him
Karen Yonkers
June 24, 2016
Kim & Deb, so sorry to hear about Don. He was truly a sweetheart and will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched. Live & hugs to you and your family.
Laurie Stephenson
June 23, 2016
Kim, I'm sorry for your loss
Bob Pierce
June 23, 2016
Kim, Steve, Debbie - Very sorry for your loss. We were blessed to live in a great neighborhood at a great time --- within walking distance of all schools and most activities, and having parents who were terrific role models like Don and Nancie Lubbers.
June 23, 2016
Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheri (Robinson) Meier
Patti Seehase
June 23, 2016
Debbie, Kim and Steve,
I am sure Don and Nancie are having a great time catching up and are happy to be reunited! I have great memories of time spent at your house when we were kids. They always made me feel so welcome and treated me like one of there own. When ever I ran into him he was always so friendly. He will be missed by both the Holt and Mason communities! Holding you all up in prayer, treasure the wonderful memories.
Tony Smith
June 23, 2016
Deepest condolences Kim and family.
Donna and Sue
June 23, 2016
Kim and Deb,
We are sending you hugs at this difficult time. You're Dad was a great person (little Sue liked to call him Superman). Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann (Volz) Parker
June 23, 2016
Debbie, so sorry to see your Dad passed away. Sounds like a neat guy. You're in my prayers and please allow God to comfort you, as only He can, in our grief. He loves you & so do I.
Kelli Zurek
June 22, 2016
Kim and debbie I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers
Kelli Baisel- Zurek
Charles Joelen Zimont
June 22, 2016
God Bless; not only a great member of the Constantine Michigan High School Class of 1950, our fullback, leader and fellow scholar athlete. Chuck Zimont and Joey Cox Zimont, fellow classmates will be proud to be present at your celebration on Friday with Bud Jennings and Dorothy Hassinger Jennings also members of your class of '50. Joey and I remember our days with you as a classmate, childhood playmate, school plays, proms, class trip and friend. Don, I will especially miss you as a kindergarten roll up mat buddy. love, C Z
Mr. & Mrs. Brown
June 22, 2016
Don will be dearly missed. He always had a smile on his face and a hello and how are you. Debbie, Kim and Steve sending you prayers and hugs but happy he is with your Mom again.
Pat and Kathy Brown
Pam Holland
June 22, 2016
My heart is very sad to hear this news. Mr. Lubbers was such a wonderful husband, father and gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family...
Pam Holland
Mary Brennan
June 22, 2016
Kim and Family-I am very sorry for your loss. Peace for all of you during this difficult time.
Jennifer Cady (Combs)
June 22, 2016
Kim, Debbie and Steve,
What an amazing life your Dad lived! So many great memories for all who were a part of his journey. Growing up in the "neighboprhood" I will always remember "Mr. Lubbers" as one of the kindest men. I have a Dr. Suess book, "My Book about Me," that asked me to get the signature of an insurance agent and your dad is who signed it!
My heart aches for you all.
With Love
Kris Corr
June 22, 2016
Kim and Family,
I'm very sorry for the unexpected loss of your father, grandfather, brother and friend. He sounded like a great man. My sincere condolences.
Jan Merkle
June 22, 2016
Kim - I am sorry for your loss and am keeping you and your family in thought and prayer.
-JEM
Anita Smith
June 22, 2016
Kim, I'm sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty Buskirk
June 22, 2016
Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, have lost both my parents now and it is still tough to adjust. Things get better with time and you get to keep all the wonderful memories of your father forever.
Steven Van Dyke
June 22, 2016
I will miss Don greatly. Even though I've known him for less than a year, we grew quite close on road trips driving for Lexus. He loved his kids, grandkids, golf and friends. Oh, did I mention golf. We knew several people in common. He always had a great attitude and was a pleasure to spend time with. RIP Luv.......
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Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Estes-Leadley Funeral Homes Holt-Delhi Chapel2121 N. Cedar Street, Holt, MI 48842
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Estes-Leadley Funeral Homes Holt-Delhi Chapel2121 N. Cedar Street, Holt, MI 48842
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