Donald Wayne Nakken

Age 85, passed away at home on Wednesday morning, November 13, 2019 with his loving family at his side. Don was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 22, 1934, the son of the late George and Lillian (VanderMeer) Nakken. Don was a very compassionate man who loved his wife and family dearly. He honorably served our country in the United States Army, following which he returned home and married the love of his life, the former Betty Folkersma on May 2, 1958. He enjoyed many years as a skilled meat cutter with Hoekstra Meats followed by several years working at Weller Auto Parts. Don loved to whistle. Everyone knew when he was coming home or going out to get the mail. He never met a stranger and would talk to anyone. One of Don's passions was going to auctions, searching for antique glassware and oil cans. He was known as an unsuccessful deer hunter and went hunting to enjoy the comraderie of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter in law, Wendy Nakken. He is survived by his wife, Betty, their children, Gregory Nakken; Denis (Toni) Nakken; Brian E. Nakken; Daniel L (Tiffany) Nakken; their grandchildren, Jessica (Jordan) Bentley; Katie (Jarad) Dylhoff; Jeremiah, Hannah, Naomi, Nate, Nick, Noah, Bethany, Moriah and Rebecca, Brayden, and Jaxson, their great grandchild, Ryker Bentley, and his sister, Adalaide VanderVeen. In accordance with Don's wishes, cremation will take place and the family will greet friends at the funeral home for a gathering on Tuesday, November 19, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery in the spring of 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice of Kalamazoo or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission c/o the funeral home.