It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Donald Swartzlander, who worked for Balkema Excavating and Milbocker & Sons, served on the MITA Board of Directors and was recognized with a MITA Honorary Member Award. He passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 2022.
Born February 18, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph Edward Swartzlander and Alitta (Krieger), Don grew up in Watervliet, Michigan, where he played baseball & basketball and spent time on Paw Paw Lake. After graduating from WMU, he met his wife, Anne, and many lifelong friends, while bartending at The Knollwood. Don was active in the community at all levels from coaching little league to the Allegan County Planning Commission to lobbying for national infrastructure reform.
Don is survived by his loving wife of nearly 45 years, Anne (Allan); two children, Elaina (Sam) Allison and Mark (Emily); grandchildren, Cathryn and a baby due 4/27/22. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Joe II, Tim, and Bob.
Please join the family to share stories and laughter to remember Don.
Visitation
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 7
Gorden’s Funeral Home
528 Trowbridge Street
Allegan, Michigan 49010
Funeral
11 a.m. Friday, April 8
Blessed Sacrament Church
110 N Cedar Street
Allegan, Michigan 49010
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Don’s memory to Wings of Hope Hospice or Allegan Sports Boosters. Don always said he’d had a wonderful life. Your attendance at his celebration would be a testament to that. Given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, please wear a mask during indoor events. Condolences can be made online at Gorden’s Funeral Home https://www.gordenfuneral.com/.
