Donald Talsma

Donald Talsma of Saline, Michigan, passed away on March 29, 2023 at Brookdale Adrian at the age of 96. Donald was born August 27, 1926 in Vogel Center, Michigan to the late Mark and Maggie (Catts) Talsma. He graduated from McBain High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army. On March 28, 1953 he married the late Carol J. Kramer in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Donald worked at Datacard Corporation as a Customer Engineer and after retiring he worked as a driver for Briarwood Ford in Saline. He enjoyed flying his 1938 Luscombe 8 airplane from 1979 to 2010.

He is survived by his daughter Kathy (Richard) Munoz; two grandchildren, Jeff and Kelly Beck; and sister Marie Meyer. Preceded in death by his wife Carol; daughters Debra and Susan (Beck); and 9 siblings. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care Don received from Hospice of Lenawee and Brookdale Adrian during his final days.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings....

And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

- Pilot John Gillespie Magee, Jr.