Donald Oostveen

Donald J. Oostveen, (78), of Schoolcraft, Michigan, passed away on June 16, 2025. Born July 31, 1946, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Don graduated from St. Augustine School, Kalamazoo. He completed his BA at Western Michigan University in Sociology. Following his graduation, Don enlisted in the US Air Force, and proudly served in the Vietnam War, serving his final 2.5 yrs deployed in Germany for the National Security Agency. Following his military service, Don returned to Kalamazoo and began working for the Upjohn Company as unit maintenance. He had several positions throughout his 30+ years at Upjohn, eventually becoming the Director of Human Resources in Research. In 1973, Don married Jo A. Germain. Soon after, they welcomed their daughter, Kristen (Kristi), and their son, Robert (Bob). The years that followed demonstrated that Don's greatest quality was his devotion to his family and children, as they enjoyed vacations, camping, and many good times together. His steadfast dedication was always evident in everything Don did for his family. He obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed taking the family on exciting flying adventures. Don also managed to learn about sled dogs, assisting Jo in rescuing and rehabilitating over 16 sled dogs, while racing with a family-based dogsled group, MUSH. He also rescued 7 cats and one horse. The animals who crossed his path loved him, especially Foxy, Honey, and Banjo. Throughout his life Don was a proud military veteran, a patriot who loved his country. Don is preceded in death by his parents Genevieve (Jean) L. (Vyverman) Oostveen and Nick (Jim) J. Oostveen. He is survived by his wife, Jo; his sister, Sharon (Duane) Martin; his children Kristi Oostveen and Bob (Hetal) Oostveen; and his grandchildren Liam Oostveen and Anya Oostveen along with other nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may visit with Don's family on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where a prayer service will be held at 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, 1150 West Centre, Portage, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with Father Mark Vyverman presiding. A committal service will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Tunnel to Towers or Shriner's Hospital. Please share memories of Don with his family at www.langelands.com