Obituary for Donald "Don" William Ward Essenburg
Essenburg, Donald “Don” William Ward
Sanford, Michigan Formerly of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Our beloved father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Donald “Don” William Ward Essenburg, passed away unexpectedly in an automobile accident in the late evening hours of Friday, April 1, 2022 in Edenville Township, Michigan. Age 40 years. Don was born on February 26, 1982 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to his biological parents; his mother, Christine (Ward) Piersma; and late father, Donald Swanson, Jr. Don was adopted and raised by his loving parents, Loren and Pamela Essenburg. Don was always known to be a handyman; he enjoyed building, tinkering with vehicles, and getting himself into crazy projects. Most the time the projects never were finished, and he would be started on the next one right away. Don was an avid lawnmower racer; engineering anything with a stock motor to go faster. He was also known to be very social with other members of his community; making friends with every cashier he met. With Don’s many joys in life, his family meant the absolute world to him; especially his children and grandchildren. Don will be missed dearly by all, and his memories will be cherished forever.
Left to cherish his memories are his six children, Kaylee Marie Essenburg, Abigale Mae Essenburg, Donald William Ward Essenburg, Jr., Ongeli Genaveve Inez Essenburg, Orion Michael William Essenburg, and Leila Mylee Elizabeth Essenburg; three grandchildren, Sapphire Rose Morin, Maya Grace Lent, and Nova Moon Morin; parents, Loren and Pamela Essenburg; fur-babies, Ivy and Sophie; one brother Calvin Essenburg; four sisters, Linda (Perry) Stone, Alyice (Jesse) Spoelstra, Jessica Dahlke, and Seana (Mike) Guile; biological mother, Christine (Ward) Piersma; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Don is happily reunited with his biological father, Donald Swanson, Jr.; infant brother, Aaron Galambos; and many grandparents.
At the request of Don and his family, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Voyage Church, 5440 Wilson Ave. SW Wyoming, Michigan 49418. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to “Wishes of the Family”, in care of Kaylee Marie Essenburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Snow Funeral Home, www.snowfuneralhome.net
Sanford, Michigan Formerly of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Our beloved father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Donald “Don” William Ward Essenburg, passed away unexpectedly in an automobile accident in the late evening hours of Friday, April 1, 2022 in Edenville Township, Michigan. Age 40 years. Don was born on February 26, 1982 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to his biological parents; his mother, Christine (Ward) Piersma; and late father, Donald Swanson, Jr. Don was adopted and raised by his loving parents, Loren and Pamela Essenburg. Don was always known to be a handyman; he enjoyed building, tinkering with vehicles, and getting himself into crazy projects. Most the time the projects never were finished, and he would be started on the next one right away. Don was an avid lawnmower racer; engineering anything with a stock motor to go faster. He was also known to be very social with other members of his community; making friends with every cashier he met. With Don’s many joys in life, his family meant the absolute world to him; especially his children and grandchildren. Don will be missed dearly by all, and his memories will be cherished forever.
Left to cherish his memories are his six children, Kaylee Marie Essenburg, Abigale Mae Essenburg, Donald William Ward Essenburg, Jr., Ongeli Genaveve Inez Essenburg, Orion Michael William Essenburg, and Leila Mylee Elizabeth Essenburg; three grandchildren, Sapphire Rose Morin, Maya Grace Lent, and Nova Moon Morin; parents, Loren and Pamela Essenburg; fur-babies, Ivy and Sophie; one brother Calvin Essenburg; four sisters, Linda (Perry) Stone, Alyice (Jesse) Spoelstra, Jessica Dahlke, and Seana (Mike) Guile; biological mother, Christine (Ward) Piersma; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Don is happily reunited with his biological father, Donald Swanson, Jr.; infant brother, Aaron Galambos; and many grandparents.
At the request of Don and his family, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Voyage Church, 5440 Wilson Ave. SW Wyoming, Michigan 49418. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to “Wishes of the Family”, in care of Kaylee Marie Essenburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Snow Funeral Home, www.snowfuneralhome.net