Donald A. Meinsma, 67, of Fulton, IL, died Sunday February 7, 2016, at Mercy Living Center North in Clinton, IA.
Don was born July 19, 1948, in Morrison, IL, to Henry C. and Marian A. (Beveroth) Meinsma. He was educated in the Lincoln and Union Grove Grade Schools in rural Whiteside County and was a 1966 graduate of Fulton High School. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central College in Pella, IA, where he participated in track and cross country for four years. He received his Masters Degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, and went on to receive his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN. He married Gloria Speckhardt on December 2, 1972 in Middleburgh, NY. Don was employed as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry for many years with several different companies. He worked in research development and as a consultant, providing expertise on meeting FDA requirements for drug manufacturers. He was a member-at-large in the Reformed Church, recently supporting the New Life Community Reformed Church in Coralville, IA. He had served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at various churches. He was a lifelong Christian, a devoted father of three sons and two grandsons, and a devoted husband. Don loved sports, running, biking, being outdoors, hiking, camping and canoeing. He played church and community league basketball and was also a soccer and basketball coach for his children in their community’s youth leagues. He was a volunteer with the Early American Crafters for Heritage Canyon in Fulton, along with his close companion, Annis Bear.
Survivors include three sons, Hagen Meinsma and Holt Meinsma, both of Gainesville, FL, and Hans (Mary) Meinsma of Archer, FL; two grandsons, Royale Meinsma and Olrik Meinsma; two sisters, Betty (Dan) Holesinger of Fulton and Susan (Dean) Buhlig of Thomson, IL; four brothers, Gerald (Marcia) Meinsma and Kenneth (frien Joyce Frank) Meinsma, both of Morrison, James (Jody) Meinsma of Middleburgh, and Darrell (Sally) Meinsma of Fulton; his special friend, Annis Bear of Preston, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister-in-law, Betty Jo Meinsma.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2016, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home
OFFICIATING: Rev. Paul Smith, Pastor of New Life Community Reformed Church, Coralville, IA
VISITATION: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 2016, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home
INTERMENT: Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL
Memorials have been established to New Life Community Reformed Church, the Early American Crafters, and the American Cancer Society.