Donald Jay Alofs, aged 58, of Byron Center, while surrounded by his family, took Jesus' hand and was escorted into heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 16, 2010. He left behind a body that had been riddled with pain and afflictions for many years, and received a new body upon entering into heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord and Bena Alofs, his brother, Edwin Alofs, his daughter, Marianne Alofs and infant daughters, Debra and Jennifer Alofs. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 38 years, Gladys (nee Douma); his children and grandchildren, Don and Denise Alofs (Chloe and Callie), Juli and Curt Wilkerson (Hannah, Avery, Teo and Mae), Karianne Alofs (Selena), Karen and Manoj Mulki (Milind and Chandini), Vinay Alofs, Eric Alofs (Presley). He is also survived by brothers, Gary (Laura) Alofs and Doug (Sharon) Theule, sisters-in-law, Cindy Alofs and Barb Alofs. Donald was a Certified Manufacturing Engineer and a past president of the local chapter of the Society of Mfg Engineers (SME). His career was cut short because of his many physical afflictions. Donald loved hunting, fishing, and writing poetry. His pride and joy was his family. He was always available to lend a listening ear to those that needed it. A Celebration of Donald's life will be held on Friday, January 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Second Byron Center Chr. Ref. Church on the corner of 76th St. SW and Byron Center Ave. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Second Byron Chr. Ref. Church or to Byron Center Christian School Foundation.