Ronald Van Donselaar

Ronald J. Van Donselaar went to his heavenly home on June 27, 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.  Ron was born on September 17, 1944 to Jacob and Geraldine (Doorn) Van Donselaar in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

He graduated from Kalamazoo Christian and Calvin College.  He continued his education at Western Michigan University and completed his Doctorate in Education at Denver University.  His 45 year career in education covered everything from teaching in pre-school to school administration and directing an Alternative Teacher Licensing Program.

In 1967 he married Joyce Koster and together they had two children, Brenda and Kevin.  During their thirty-six years of marriage together they lived in Florida, Michigan and Colorado,  developing friendships that have lasted a lifetime.  Joy passed away in 2003.

Ron loved life and treasured his family, friends and colleagues.  He was a sports enthusiast and played high school basketball and baseball.  He loved watching football and hockey.  He never lost his love for the Detroit Red Wings even though he lived in Colorado 45 years.  He was also an avid reader and loved to play cards.  Ron loved Jesus and was a life time active member of churches wherever life took him.  He also served on several education administration committees and boards.

In 2004 Ron married Phyllis Olthoff in Denver, Colorado and were blessed with 17 years together.  After retirement they spent winters in Florida, loving their ocean view and making new friends.  They were also able to take many other wonderful, adventurous trips with family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children Brenda (Jon) Haaksma of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kevin (Karin) Van Donselaar of Ripon, California; Father-in-law, Lester Ruis; step children Nate (Angela) Olthoff of Centennial, Colorado and Lisa (Mitch) Kane of Peyton, Colorado; grandchildren, Abby (Mitch) Brummel, Anna Haaksma, Jacob Haaksma, Caleb Van Donselaar, Elyse Van Donselaar, Megan Van Donselaar, Emma Olthoff, Haley Wood and Dominic Wood; sisters, Sharon McIntyre, Mary Lou (Richard) Koning, brother, Richard (Lois) Van Donselaar;  sisters-in-law, Nancy (Ken) Klein, Deb Kielty, Carolyn (Tom) Yost,  brothers-in-law, Dan (Nancy) Ruis and Stan (Melissa) Koster.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Geraldine Van Donselaar, wife, Joyce, mother and father-in-law Lavina and Herman Koster, mother-in-law Esther Ruis; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lorraine and Herm Kuiper, brother-in-law Jim Kielty, niece, Bonnie Smalley.

Memorial contributions will be designated for:

The Refuge Ranch – a faith based substance abuse program for women

Christian Berets – a faith based program for special needs children and adults

Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies