Donald W. Van Kersen

Age 97, passed away on September 28, 2024. Don was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 19, 1927, the son of the late George and Anna (Kreeger) Van Kersen. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and served his country honorably during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. Don retired from the Upjohn Company, where he worked for 39 years and received the Upjohn Award in 1982. He was an avid golfer and loved taking golf trips with his wife and friends, as well as playing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with his family at their cottage on Spider Lake in Traverse City and on family ski trips. On July 19, 1947, Don married the former Genevieve E. Tripp, who preceded him in death on April 21, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his daughter and son in-law, Lynn and Patrick Vallier; step-brother, George (Charlene) Van Kersen and step-sister, Evelyn Meek. Don is survived by his daughter, Sue (Dan) McCauley; grandchildren; Brant (Liz) Vallier, Ryan (Shannon) Vallier, Kellan (Ashley) McCauley and Jacob (Marcy) McCauley; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Hannah, Emma, Nathan, Ryan, Jr., Braylen and Bo Vallier and brother in-law, David (Beth) Tripp. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Visitation will take place at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to The Vineyards Assisted Living Activities Fund.