He was born on November 21, 1931, in Lyndon, the son of John and Marion (Flynn) VanDerLeest. He married the former Harriet J. Bush on June 27, 1952, in Morrison. She died August 12, 2012. Don had operated the Morrison Locker for many years. He later worked at Sullivan’s in Morrison. He was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church.
Survivors include his daughter Linda VanDerLeest of Geneseo; his daughter in law, Sandra VanDerLeest of Morrison; grandchildren: Kyle VanDerLeest (Anna Wilhelm) and Shayna (John) Anderson; great grandson John D. Anderson; his brother Dale VanDerLeest of Shiloh, IL; sister in laws: Roberta Bush and Ruth VanDerLeest; special family: Tisha Bush (Andy Collinson) Wesley (Lisa) Bush, Colton and Lucas Bush.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Larry VanDerLeest; and four brothers: Arnold, Norman, Duwayne and Reynold VanDerLeest.
Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2026, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Pastor J.T. Bean and Mr. Ken Renkes officiating. Private burial will be at Grove Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his memory to Resthave Home, Ebenezer Church or Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo.
Online condolences at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
