Donald Klooster Obituary (1924 - 2015)

Donald Klooster, age 90, formerly of Grand Rapids and Canadian Lakes, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 7, 2015 under the loving care of his family and Faith Hospice. The son of Henry & Tina (VanderWal) Klooster, he was born on December 6, 1924 in Munster, Indiana. He was a decorated combat veteran of World War II, serving as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater. He fought at the Battle of Corregidor (1945) in the Philippine Islands, and was awarded the Purple Heart. Don graduated from Calvin College in 1949 and married the former Alva Jane Berghuis on February 16, 1951. They enjoyed 42 years of marriage, raised two sons, and traveled the world. They were members of Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, and Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Big Rapids. In later years, Don enjoyed trips to California to visit his grandchildren. Don graduated from Calvin College in 1949 and ma rried the former Alva Jane Berghuis on February 16, 1951. They enjoyed 42 years of marriage, raised two sons, and traveled the world. They were members of Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, and Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Big Rapids. In later years, Don enjoyed trips to California to visit his grandchildren. Don was a partner at Rose Manufacturing in Grand Rapids (a maker of residential and office furniture) for 30 years. In retirement, he and Alva made their home at Canadian Lakes, where Don was a member of the Canadian Lakes and Tullymore golf clubs. He was also an avid U of M football fan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alva Klooster in 1993; a sister, Jean Ruiter; and three brothers, Ted, Jerry, and the Rev. Dr. Fred H. Klooster. Surviving are his sons, James Klooster of Cedar Springs, Timothy (Jani) Klooster of Carlsbad, California; two grandchildren, Graham Klooster and Raya Klooster; a sister-in-law, Leona Klooster of Grand Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services are at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2015 at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, 407 Perry Avenue, Big Rapids, with Pastor Ken Krause officiating. Military honors will conclude the ceremonies and a luncheon will follow. Private interment will be in Blythefield Memory Gardens, Belmont. Instead of flowers, the family requests contributions in his memory be made to the Alva Klooster Memorial Fund at Fellowship C.R.C., 407 Perry Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307.