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BORN
1937
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
3767 W. Liberty Rd
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Donald Bylsma Obituary
10/3/1937 - 9/26/2023
Dexter, Michigan
Don Bylsma, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2023 surrounded by beloved family members. He chose hospice home care over ever-increasing medical appointments and interventions. He was happier in his final weeks sitting in his recliner or on his deck. He had many visits from family and friends, read his books and the sports pages, slept whenever he wanted, ate his beloved A & W hot dogs, Cheese Steaks and MANY bowls of Cheerios.
Don was born in Detroit and always bragged about the city where he grew up in. Throughout his life he was an ENTHUSIASTIC sports fan. He cheered for all the Detroit teams and once he moved to Ann Arbor to teach at Washtenaw Community College, the Wolverines became his number one team.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at the Nie Funeral Home, Liberty Road Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI. Family and friends may gather at 10:00AM; the program will begin at 11:00AM. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite sports team apparel. And, for this occasion only they will even make an exception for the Michigan State Fans. In lieu of flowers, PLEASE, donations in his name may be made to the Huron Valley Humane Society.
A full obituary may be found at the Nie Funeral Homes website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bylsma
Sponsored by The Family.
4 Entries
Joyce Tomkiewicz
January 8, 2024
Was very sad to hear this.
Love you Uncle don .
Say hi to my dad.
Connie Toma
December 31, 2023
As my sociology instructor in the 1980´s I have thought of you fondly over the years since. I remember you as a fun, kind, informative and interesting person who made class enjoyable. You left an impression for which I thank you! Godspeed!
Dave Biggers
October 18, 2023
Thank you Don. Fifty five years ago, you became the single most influential person in my pursuit of academic achievement. Your advice to forget the Business, Math or other pathways to those well paying careers and just focus on what doesn't bore you to death ... like Sociology put me on my pathway. You told me "The primary value of a college degree is binary ... Do you have one or not? The rest of it will sort itself out, but you can show your potential employer that you can be taught." For me, a fourth year sophomore at the time, that turned my education and therefore, life around, and I've been grateful to you throughout my 50 year, totally satisfying career. You were right. It worked itself out. Again, thank you, and rest happily ever after.
Cynthia Given
October 10, 2023
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Don at WCC and the telecourse program. A wonderful person.
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Memorial Events
for Donald Bylsma
Nov
12
Memorial Gathering
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. - Liberty Road Chapel3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Nov
12
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. - Liberty Road Chapel3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Funeral services provided by:
Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. - Liberty Road Chapel3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
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