Rev. Donald Jansma

Rev. Donald E. Jansma, 93, passed away on September 13, 2025. Born in Fulton, Illinois on July 7, 1932, to John and Agnes (Eisenga) Jansma, he grew up in Morrison, Illinois. Don attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where he met and later married Alice Klepper on August 27, 1954, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Three children came from this marriage: Jill Laurie, Jeffrey Alan, and Jerry Lee.

After graduating from Hope College, Don attended Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. Upon completion of his seminary studies, he commenced a lifelong career as a pastor. During his career, Don faithfully served congregations in Three Oaks, Mich.; Oaklawn, Ill.; Santa Ana, Calif.; Palos Heights, Ill.; and concluded his pastorate at Center Point Church in Kalamazoo, Mich, when he retired.

During the middle of his professional career, Don relocated with his family to Pella, Iowa, where he took on the position of Secretary of Evangelism and Renewal for the Reformed Church of America (RCA). In this position, Don was involved in designing programs to increase congregational participation, build community connections, and support church-related practices among members, including the Good News People initiative. Don was involved in the Cursillo Movement with planning, supporting, and leading weekend retreats. Don encouraged people in their spiritual journey and showed them how to strengthen their connection with God in their daily lives.

Don grew up working in the large family garden and had told stories of peddling vegetables in Morrison, Illinois. As a teen, his dad told him to build an extension to the family garage so the new car would fit inside. That summer, he learned skills in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and roofing, which served him well over the years. Don was always busy with projects around the house or yard. He was a lifelong learner and was always willing to discuss books, theology, spirituality, or life advice. He loved golf, travel, lake life, and vegetables.

Don and Alice retired and spent summers at Silver Lake, MI, and winters in Green Valley, Arizona, and settled in Holland, MI in 2005. During his retirement, Don remained engaged in ministry, continuing to preach at local churches and frequently participated in church activities. He was a member of the Fellowship Reformed Church in Holland, MI. Don's wife of 60 years and ministry partner, Alice, passed away in 2014. Don later met Dian Welch in Green Valley, AZ. They were married in Holland, Michigan, and shared nine years of love, care, and companionship.

Those left to celebrate Don's life are his wife, Dian Welch Jansma of Holland, MI, and her extended family.

He is survived by his children, Jill Jansen of Pella, IA, Jeff (Tracy) Jansma of Holland, MI and Jerry (Cathy) Jansma of Kalamazoo, MI. Seven grandchildren; Jodi (Mat) Keske, Tyler (Michael) Gentile, Lauren (Shane) Ackermann, Trevor (Sydney) Jansma-Kleis, Drew Jansma, Kollen (Ashley Longtine) Jansma, Lindsay (Jason) Chartier; six great grandchildren; Madison Keske, Owen Keske, Isabelle Ackermann, Elijah Ackermann, Elwood Williams, and Jubilee Ackermann; a sister, Velma Dean, a brother, Roger (Karen) Jansma; and many dear extended family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his wife (Alice), parents John and Agnes, brother Edward, and brother-in-law Samuel Dean.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 2:00-2:45 PM with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Ross Dielman and Rev. Jim Baar officiating. Both events will take place at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 West Lakewood Blvd. Holland, MI 49423. Burial will take place with the family on an earlier date at Mt. Everest Cemetery in Kalamazoo, MI. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, www.langelandsterenberg.com.