Donald Vernon Droogsma

Funeral service for Donald Droogsma, age 84, of Milaca, will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 11 AM at the Christian Reformed Church in Pease with Pastor Cal Friend officiating. Interment will follow at the Pease Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM Thursday at the Christian Reformed Church in Pease and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Donald V. Droogsma was born May 17, 1928 to John and Minnie (Van De Riet) Droogsma near Bock, MN. He grew up near Bock and Pease and attended school in Bock. Don graduated from Milaca High School. He did road construction work with his uncle, John, in Fairmont, MN. He was then drafted into the US Army and served in the Alaskan Zone during the Korean War. After completing his service, Don worked as a farmer and salesman. He worked at Leader Johnson, the Princeton Coop and Tru Valu. He was united in marriage to Carol Veurink on February 13, 1952. Don was a member of the Pease Christian Reformed Church where he served on the church council and the Pease Christian School board. He was also a member of the Princeton American Legion and served as the Sergeant at Arms. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time outdoors. Don and Carol enjoyed spending time visiting their children in the western states. In retirement Don enjoyed bowling, doing lighter farm chores and spending time at the Milaca Senior Center. He passed away at his home near Pease on Sunday, January 13, 2013 after a six month illness. He is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Mark (Debbie) of Colorado Springs, CO, Greg (Yvonne) of Denver City, TX, Thomas of Milaca, Steven (Debra) of Princeton and Curt (Kayla) of Billings, MT; daughter, Christy (Dan) Schaack of Denver, CO; twelve grandchildren, Peter, Eric, Brittany, Amory, Alex, Abby, Tony, Ali, Connor, Haley, Ava and Arie; two sisters, Violet and Lavonne; three brothers, Melvin, Stan and Lyle; also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Del and sister, Arlene.