Donald M. Hesling, Jr.

Mr. Donald M. Hesling, Jr., age 62, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 13, 2008. He was born April 11, 1946 in Muskegon to Donald M. and Rheata (Peterson) Hesling and had been a life resident. Mr. Hesling graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1964, and earned his B.S. Degree at Michigan State University in 1968. He was a very well loved and respected physics and chemistry teacher for the Mona Shores Public School System for 27 years, and also spent several years as the President of the Mona Shores Teachers Association before retiring in 1998. He also taught 20 years at the Muskegon Community College. Mr. Hesling was also the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Roosevelt Park for 27 years, and also did road maintenance for the City of Norton Shores for 35 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mr. Hesling also volunteered for the Red Cross, and was a committee member for the U.S. Silver Sides Museum. He will be remembered by family as someone who would always lend a helping hand. On February 8, 1975 he married the former Patricia Ann Adair in Spring Lake and she survives him along with 3 sons, Charles DeWald of CA, Don Hesling III of CA, James DeWald of Chicago, IL; father, Donald M. Hesling of Muskegon; 3 brothers, Dave Hesling, Dan (Joyce) Hesling, Dennis Hesling all of Muskegon; 6 sisters, Chris (Phil) Kelly of Muskegon, Mary (Brian) Kelly of Grand Rapids, Carol Hesling, Joann Pelligrini both of Muskegon, Terri DeMarrow of Grand Rapids, Debbie Hesling of Muskegon; aunt, Ethel Lister; father and mother-in-law, Norm and Mary Adair; 2 sisters-in-law, Kathy (Steve) Habetler, Donna Adair; extended in-law, Lori DeWald; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Donna Hesling. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rheata; 2 sisters, Patrice and Judy; and brother, Thomas. THE FUNERAL LITURGY will be celebrated 1:00 PM Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Thomas Page presiding. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION with the family will be from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Sunday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 759-8565 with the Rosary prayed at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mona Shores Scholarship Fund.