Donald James Reitsma, 85, passed away on June 18, 2026, at Cherokee Regional Medical Center.
A Celebration of Life visitation and prayer service will be held on Friday, July 24, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. by Pastor Phillip Beisswenger. Military rites by L.A. Wescott Post #2253 and the Cherokee American Legion will follow at Boothby Funeral Home located at 207 E. Main St., Cherokee. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Donald was born on Dec. 15, 1940, at his family home in Rock Valley, to Wren and Henrietta (Kizer) Reitsma. In the spring of 1941, the family moved to Sanborn, where Don was raised and received his education. He graduated from Sanborn High School in 1959 and later completed training at a mechanical school in Kansas City, Mo.
Following his education, Don returned to Sanborn and worked at the Standard Station, where he had also worked during high school, before joining the City of Sanborn. In October 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably in Germany for 19 months before receiving his discharge in October 1965.
Upon returning home, Don began his career at Wilson Foods in Cherokee. Through multiple company transitions over the years, including Tyson Foods, he remained a dedicated employee for 43 years until his retirement in 2008. He often spoke fondly of his work and the many friendships he developed throughout his career.
On Oct. 19, 1973, Don married Marilyn Balt of Sioux Falls, S.D., at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton, Minn. Together they built a life in Cherokee, where they spent 52 years raising their two children, Kimberly (Kim) and James (Jim).
Don enjoyed investing in the stock market and took great pride in growing his investment portfolio. He was passionate about automobiles, owning and trading a variety of vehicles throughout the years. Alongside his son, Jim, he attended car shows across the region and proudly brought home numerous trophies. In his younger years, he also enjoyed attending auto races in Jackson, Minn.; Knoxville; and Sioux Falls, S.D.
Above all, Don treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Wren Reitsma in 1991 and Henrietta Reitsma in 2005; his sisters: Tena Nelson and her husband Orville of Primghar; Diane Frohwein and her husband Franklin of Sanborn; Renie Maust and her husband Dale of Liberty, Mo.; and Jean Denny and her husband Donald of Hartley; brother Ronald Reitsma and his wife Roberta of McPherson, Kan.; brothers-in-law: Steve Prochnick of Fairmont, Minn.; and Darrell Frerichs of Lake Park; as well as two nieces and one nephew.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Marilyn Reitsma of Cherokee; daughter Kimberly Kay (Roger) Cook of Lincoln, Neb., and their children, Abigail (Abby) and Reece; son James Donald (Molly McKenna) Reitsma of Alta, and their children, Colton and Evelyn (Evie); sisters: Trudy Prochnick of Fairmont, Minn.; and Arlene Frerichs of Lake Park; special niece Sharon Helmke of Armstrong; sisters-in-law: Carol (Timothy) Vreeman of Moorhead, Minn.; Junel (Scott) Pulscher of St. Michael, Minn.; and Donna (Bryce) Arkema of Pella; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and dear friends.
Don will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of cars and investing, and most importantly, his devotion to his family.
