Donald Floris Wierenga, age 85, passed away on May 15, 2026. He was born on January 5, 1941, in Grand Haven, to Floris and Winifred Wierenga.

Donald was a devoted man of faith and attended Spring Lake Baptist Church, where he especially loved connecting with the people in his Sunday school class. He will be remembered for his friendly, joyful and optimistic spirit, along with his steady generosity of time, laughter, and care. Don never seemed to meet a stranger and had a special gift for making people feel welcome wherever he went. Always ready with a joke and eager to laugh, his warm smile and lighthearted nature brought joy to those around him.

He graduated from Grand Haven High School and proudly served in the United States Navy. Fresh out of the Navy, Don married the love of his life, Jeannine. Together they built a life full of adventure. Over the years, they lived in many places throughout Michigan before eventually selling their cleaning business, along with most of their belongings, and moving to Florida for several years. Don’s adventurous spirit and love of new experiences remained a defining part of who he was throughout his life.

After their early years together, Don began his long career at the Tassell estate in Grand Rapids. There, he became an integral part of the day-to-day operations and was heavily relied upon to manage the property and care for many exotic animals, including zebras, elk, peacocks, horses, a zorse, a camel, and more, over a span of more than 20 years.

As Don and Jeannine entered retirement, they settled at their farmhouse in Hart, where Don quickly befriended many in the community and was always willing to lend a hand. He loved creating experiences for those around him, shown through projects on the farm, including a small village for visitors complete with a church containing real pews and an organ, and horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter months.

Donald had a lifelong love of music and was a talented banjo player, an excellent trumpet player, and a singer in a barbershop quartet. He also loved sailing across Lake Michigan, sharing many memorable trips with his close friend, Bob Holt.

Donald is survived by his wife, Jeannine Wierenga; sister, Joyce Sjoerdsma; many nieces and nephews; and a large circle of friends whom he treated like family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floris and Winifred Wierenga; parents-in-law, Esther and Wilson Larry; sister, Janice Hammond; niece, Deborah Dennis; brothers-in-law, Glenn Sjoerdsma and Cecil Hammond; sister-in-law, Wanda Gerdeen.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held later this summer with family and close friends.

May the Lord comfort those who mourn, and may Donald’s life of faith, kindness, humor, and enduring optimism be remembered with gratitude.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting the family with arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com