Donley "Peach" L. VanderLeest, age 77 of Hesperia, passed away Friday, March 14, 2014 at his home following a lingering illness. Don was born on June 28, 1936 in Muskegon to Joseph and Tressie (Radar) VanderLeest and graduated from Hesperia High School. Don joined the United States Navy after high school and after his return from the service, started working for the Oceana County Road Commission. Don later moved to Alaska where he lived for 42 years until he returned to Hesperia in 2007. While in Alaska, Don met Joyce Stever and they have been together since 1998. Don had been a mechanic with the Alaska IBEW Local 1547 until his retirement. Don enjoyed fishing and spending time on his boat in the Alaskan waters.

Don is survived by Joyce; his children, Jami Burkhert of Canyonville, Oregon; Mike (Lisa) Insalaco of Seward, Alaska; Jennifer (Mike) Bout of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren, Jazmyn Herrington and Kyli Burkhert; 6 step grandchildren; 1 step great grandchildren; his brothers and sisters, George (Cookie) VanderLeest of Hudsonville; Patsy Hren of Hesperia; Darlene Bigcraft of Traverse City; Leon (Sandy) VanderLeest of Hesperia; several nieces and nephews. VISITATION : Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 5-7pm at the Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICES : Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 11am at the Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel with military rites given by the United States Navy and the Hesperia American Legion. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Heartland Hospice. INTERMENT : West Hesperia Cemetery