Donald Lee Deater Jr., age 62, of Holland, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, March 22 after a brief 5 week battle with cancer.
Don will be deeply missed by his beautiful and loving wife Liz of 23 years and his son, Zach Deater, of Grand Rapids. He is also survived by his parents, Don and Pauline Deater; brother, David (Luanne) Deater; sister, Jody Verstrat (Dan Navarro); father-in-law, Gary Vander Hart; sisters in-law, Abby (David) Palmisano, Amy (Duane) Heeringa, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his special Uncle, Larry Dole, that Don rarely missed a Monday lunch date with.
Don loved the Lord and had a servant’s heart. He was selfless and thoughtful, he was ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He volunteered for various ministries at Heritage Reformed Congregation Church and led nursing home services. He also opened a small Christian bookstore which was another avenue for reaching others for Christ’s Kingdom, which he was very passionate about.
He was employed at Freightliner of Grand Rapids for 33 years. He always had a smile and kind words for his co-workers in the shop. As a sales rep Don put on a lot of miles around west Michigan and made countless friends throughout the years.
Don enjoyed DIY projects with his family and spending time in his woodworking shop. He also loved taking trips to Glen Arbor with friends and going to Florida for winter get aways.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, March 27, at the Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel, located at 188 West 32nd Street, Holland, MI, with Pastor John Byl officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with family on Thursday, March 26 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and on Friday from 10:00am to 10:45am prior to the service.
Those who wish to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary at prts.edu
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