Donn Westman

H. Donn Westman of Traverse City passed away peacefully on his birthday, June 4, 2026 at the age of 92.

In 1934, Donn was born in Newberry, Michigan, to Harold Adolph and Tynne Maria (Sandelin) Westman. Donn was proud of his Upper Peninsula heritage. He loved spending time at the family cottage on Round Lake where he helped his grandfather establish Luce County Park. He later went on to lifeguard and teach swimming lessons on those very shores. In his youth, Donn played on various Newberry sports teams and was a proud member of the undefeated Newberry High School’s football team inducted into the Hall of Fame. Aside from sports, he accomplished the rank of Eagle Scout where he was instated into the Order of the Arrow. For several years, Donn successfully competed in the midwest hydroplane boat circuit. Through it all, he was committed to hard work and was humble in all of his accomplishments.

Holding those values close, Donn earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Education from Western Michigan University where he met his forever love, Ann Marie Henderson. They married on August 11, 1956 in Allegan, Michigan, with Donn vowing to take care of Ann until the very end. That he did.

After college, Donn went on to teach physical education and coach basketball, cross country, gymnastics and football at Muskegon Heights. While his coaching career flourished, Donn was most proud to have guided many young athletes to seek higher education at various universities across the country. After several years and having started a family of his own, an opportunity became available for Donn to return to his beloved UP. Hence, he moved his family to Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan where he again taught and coached, eventually becoming the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Sault Area High School. Having earned his Master’s of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Programming from Central Michigan University, Donn ended his career as Director of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Division of Adult and Community Education.

Upon retirement in 1988, Donn and Ann moved to Traverse City, Michigan and became members of the First Presbyterian Church. They developed a love for Old Mission Peninsula and after building their home amongst the cherry orchards, Donn went to work with close family friends at Och’s Orchard harvesting cherries, planting orchards and vineyards, and driving the cherry truck to Cherry Central. In his spare time, Donn enjoyed watching and playing sports with his grandsons, woodworking, gardening, and enjoying nature in all of its seasons.

As his family grew, Donn was fully involved in his grandsons’ accomplishments. He never missed a sporting event, pine wood derby, concert or theater production in 27 years. He saw it all, even if it meant needing to learn how to operate an iPad at 85 years of age to watch remotely. Donn’s pride was his family, and he left behind a legacy of how to love, be humble, and stay committed to one another.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann, their children Dee (Stephen) Yancho and Donn (Lori) Westman, grandchildren Jonathan “Max” (Danielle Visentin), Benjamin (Alexandria), Samuel (Samantha Schrader), Matthew and Mitchell, and great granddaughter Maeve.

A private family gathering will be held and Donn will be laid to rest at Peninsula Township Cemetery.

The family welcomes anyone wishing to share memories or condolences to kindly do so at https://www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com/. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Donn’s name to Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan or to AdvisaCare Home Health and Hospice of Traverse City.

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