Arie Donkersloot

Arie Donkersloot, Sr., 85, of LaPorte, IN, passed away at 2:30 PM Saturday, December 17, 2016 surrounded by his family. Arie was born May 2, 1931 in Amsterdam, Netherlands to the late Johannes and Elizabeth Donkersloot. His education included apprenticeships in the city of Utrecht in the fields of mechanical engineering. Arie immigrated to America in 1954 just after marrying his longtime sweetheart, Helena. She joined him in the Chicago area six months later to start their American Dream. He was an acclaimed innovator, securing many patents throughout his life; such as the electronic eye-controlled flag pole which automatically raises and lowers the flag and the telescoping docks that form the Michigan City Washington Park Marina. Arie founded the family company, Donkersloot & Son’s Marine Development Co. in the 1970’s.  His former projects have developed to what are now known as the local marinas.  Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his 120’ barge, the Miss Jamie Lynn, which he designed and built.  His famous claim was the Miss Jamie Lynn is unlike any other vessel in the United States, with her capabilities of displacing very little water and being extremely maneuverable in small, tight locations.  In his remembrance, “Dutch Skills in America Waters” will continue through his sons, Arie Donkersloot, Jr. and Ron Donkersloot, Sr.  He will be greatly missed. Arie is survived by his loving companion for 18 years, Kathy Trask; his four children, Angie D. Hall, of Sarasota, FL., Johannes (Diane) Donkersloot of St. James City, FL., Arie (Debbie) Donkersloot, Jr. and Ronald (Amy) Donkersloot Sr., of Three Oaks, MI.; his twelve grandchildren, Thomas Donkersloot Hall, Chantael Smith, Jamie Donkersloot, Ashlee (Doug) Diemer, Natalie Donkersloot, Arielle Donkersloot, Crystal (Doyle) Rogers, Ronald (Kelly) Donkersloot, Jr., Tabitha (Colby) Caid, Joshua Donkersloot, Ryker Donkersloot, Anneke Donkersloot; thirteen great-grandchildren and his sister, Jane Dikkeboom, of Midlothian, IL. He is also survived through Kathy Trask; her three children, Tony Falls, of Michigan City, IN., Lisa Nichting, of Newport News, VA., Michael Martin, of Michigan City, IN.; her five grandchildren, Mark (Ida) Kmiecik, Ryan Kmiecik, Claire Nichting, Jack Nichting, Jacob Martin, and eight great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7 PM Thursday, December 29, 2016 at New Buffalo Yacht Club. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel and Cremation Services, New Buffalo. Memorial donations may be made to National Parkinson Foundation. Those wishing to sign Arie’s memory book online may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com. Arie’s ashes will be laid to rest with his late wife Helena J. Donkersloot in Lee Memorial Park, Lehigh Acres, FL near Fort Myers.