Donald James Walstrom of Grand Rapids, Michigan, age 92, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023. He was born in Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids on March 27, 1931 to Alfred & Mary Walstrom.

He attended Howe Military School from 6th-9th grades and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1949. He served in the Naval Reserves from 1951-1955. Don was an only child who grew up in the Ottawa Hills/Oakdale area where he enjoyed playing with all of his neighborhood friends. Many days were spent at Franklin Park near the old Calvin College campus, swimming or ice skating. He also loved going with his parents to the Shrine Circus, the Ice Capades, trips to the John Ball Park Zoo, and taking their boat on fishing trips up North. Growing up, Don held jobs at Ramona Park on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids selling popcorn on the passenger steamboats, sweeping floors at the Ramona theater, caddying for golfers at Cascade & Blythefield Country Clubs, and working in the parts department at the Ted Buth Packard dealership. He met Mary VandenBerg through mutual friends when they were in 12th grade, and they were married in 1951. They raised their four children in Grand Rapids in the Alger Heights area and attended Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church. Don worked for many years at Service Diamond Tool Co., as a salesman/technician. Don loved Big Band music and they attended many concerts and dances at the Fruitport Pavilion, the Civic Auditorium, and other music venues. His two passions were all things related to automobiles, and he also spent many summers on his boats on Lake Michigan. Don was a big fan of Michigan State University, which he passed on to his children. His marriage to Mary ended in 1985 and in 1994 Don married Joan DeBaar. He and Joan spent many enjoyable times both together and socializing with their friends. In his later years, Don took a great deal of pleasure in simply carrying on conversations with people and sharing stories, whether with his family members, at his church, at his favorite restaurants, or where he lived. He was a voracious reader, preferring magazines and books to television.

Don is survived by his wife Joan, his children David & Kim Walstrom, Kathi & Larry Kett, Mark Walstrom, Dawn Safford, his grandchildren Patrick Kett, Katie Kett, Benjamin Kett, Mitchell Kett, Eric & Beth Walstrom, Adam & Christina Walstrom, Benjamin Walstrom, and Zephan Walstrom, and great-grandchildren Jonathan Kett, Charlie Kett, Fiona Walstrom, Ford Walstrom, Anika Walstrom, and Sariya Walstrom.

The family will receive friends and family on Friday, August 11 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood, Michigan 49508, with a Memorial Service to follow at 2:00 pm at the Funeral Home. A private Interment will take place at Graceland Memorial Park & Mausoleum. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49534 in honor of Don's lifelong love of animals.