Donna Jean Bekkering

August 18, 1940 – August 16, 2025

Donna Jean Bekkering, was greeted by heavens angels, August 16, 2025, 2 days shy of her 85th birthday. She was born the daughter of Henry and Ann (Heemstra) Muilenburg, in Grand Rapids.

She married Don J Bekkering (who entered heaven July 10, 2013) on August 7, 1959 and they raised 3 sons, Gary (Pam; 2 daughters Amber, Alycia (CJ Rudisel and 2 daughters Maybel and Mayze); Andy (Deb; 2 sons Dustin and Dylan (Talli Martinez); Matthew (Kjersta Holter close friend). She is survived by brother-in-law Lloyd Bekkering (Don’s oldest brother), sister-in-law- Gerriet Bekkering (Don’s youngest brothers’ wife) and many nieces and nephews by marriage, Norm Overway, and close friends over the years.

As many people know Don was a pastor at many churches and when a church hires a pastor they get the wife in the deal. Donna was always very involved in every church. Donna and Don were fortunate to take several trips with the Bethel Series and through the churches on mission trips around the country and world.

Don and Donna enjoyed their yearly trips to Florida to spend time with Donna’s parents and always enjoyed shelling and antiquing. Don and Donna always operated on the BST zone (Bekkering Standard Time), AKA-late! Wherever they went, antiquing was part of the road trip. They had so many knick-knacks including pie servers and plates, salt and pepper holders, and of course her famous Precious Moment collections.

Donna enjoyed many crafting and artistic aspects as hobbies. She enjoyed painting, quilting, knitting, scrapbooking, and sewing. Regarding her sewing abilities, there were many times that she made matching outfits for Gary, Andy and Matthew (straight from the scene in Sound of Music as Matthew claims to enjoy that memory, Andy and Gary like to block it out).

Donna liked making Sunday lunches, including her pot roast and beef and rice in an electric skillet. She also liked baking and was famous for her banana bread made in old fashioned baby formula cans.

Over the years Donna worked in several fabric stores. She was a hostess at restaurants and believe it or not, she also worked at Russ’ on roller skates! She worked at Royal Park Place for almost 30 years as well as living there.

During the past year and a half she lived at Bay Ridge Assisted Care. A big thank you to the entire staff for all the love and care you shared with Donna, adopting her as your mom and grandma. You made her feel like she was home.

Donna had a strong faith, and we can celebrate her arrival in heaven as she joins family.

A special celebration of life gathering and burial will be held at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Holland on Saturday, September 13, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holland Rescue Mission/Gateway Mission 661 E 24th St., Ste 300, Holland, MI 49423 or Ebenezer Christian School, P.O. Box 158, Ellsworth MI 49729.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.