Don Bylsma

BYLSMA (Rockford) - Mr "Don" Bylsma, age 63, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 following a brave and courageous battle with his illness. Don graduated from Union High School in 1964, and served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he worked for VanAndel & Flikkema, Star Body, and then opened his own restoration business of classic and antique automobiles, the Body Shoppe in Marne. He liked going to car shows and NASCAR races, collecting antiques and lighthouses, fishing, and driving for hours to look at beautiful scenery. The 4th of July was always a special time of the year for Don and his family. They always had their own celebration with fireworks. His children were taught good work ethics by Don's example. His life-long dream was to finish restoring his 1940 Ford. Don is survived by his loving wife, Pam; children, Scott Bylsma and special friend, Stacie of Grand Rapids, Kurt and Andrea Bylsma and their son, Drew of Grand Rapids, E-5 Chad Bylsma, serving with the US Navy, and Brittany Bylsma of Rockford; brothers, David and Florence Bylsma, Chuck and Sharon Bylsma Raymond, Ira "Ike" Bylsma and special friend Sandy Hahn; mother-in-law, Mrs. Marilyn Stallman and special friend, Bill Midyett and her children; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Charles and Ruth Bylsma preceded him in death. The service for Don will be on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4610 Belding Road, Rockford with The Rev. Timothy Gauger officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of the US Army. Interment will be in Algoma Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods or the American Heart Association . Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home on Saturday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the Church. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com