In Memory



 

Mr. Donald “Buz” Buzalski, age 78, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2007. A 1947 graduate of Union High School, Buz took part in football, baseball, and basketball. While in the 7th grade, Buz met Shirley; and they started to date when Shirley was a junior. There are many fond memories of the times they shared together in high school. After high school, Shirley attended the Michael Reese School of Nursing, and Buz attended junior college. There was a lot of letter writing, and then Buz proposed over the phone. They were married on October 18, 1950. One of Buz’ first jobs was at Porter Machinery, and then he became a letter carrier, a supervisor, director of customer service, and finally Postmaster of the Zeeland Post Office—a position he earned through hard work. When Buz played baseball in the tournaments, his family always followed him. He later umpired in baseball, even on the college level. Buz was a bird lover, and he enjoyed fishing, boating at the lake, and hearing the sound of his beagles chasing rabbits. Each summer his garden got bigger and bigger. For many years Buz and Shirley wintered at K & K Mobile Home Park in Bradenton, FL. He taught his sons how to be a dad, and that life wasn’t always fair. His daughters thought their dad was the strongest man they ever knew. Buz was filled with integrity, but mostly he was a mild-mannered person who was respectful to his parents, a family-centered dad, and a listener who was extremely fair. He was president of the Concerned Hearts Club which opened when Butterworth Hospital did its first heart surgery. Buz started a walk-a-thon for a new blood machine which was needed for surgery. He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years and life-long friend and sweetheart until the end, the former Shirley Flora; children, Jakie and Michael Lewicki of Yorkville, IL, Dona and Ralph VerBurg of Marne, Patricia and Timm Constanti of Grand Rapids, Michael Buzalski of Walker, Steven and Stephanie Buzalski of Wyoming, Mollie and Jerry Vodry of Pierson and Jennifer and Greg Vos of Pierson; 17 grandchildren who Buz worshiped and adored; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, David and Bonnie Buzalski of Elkhart, IN; sister, Mrs. Virginia Aungst of Rockford; mother-in-law, Mrs. Alma Flora of Grand Rapids; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jacqueline Bradley and Judy and John Benson, all of Grand Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Betty Kubiak, his parents, Bernard and Irene Buzalski, and father-in-law, Howard Flora. For the loving care that was given to Buz, the Buzalski family would like to thank Hospice of MI and his caregivers, Donna, Becky, Missy, and Judy. Interment in Pierson Twp. Cemetery.

Memorials: Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of MI, 400 Perry, Big Rapids, MI 49307.