Donald James Hermenitt Jr., 73, of Wayland died Saturday, Nov. 19.

He was born to Donald and Diana Hermenitt Sr. in Plainwell on Sept. 15, 1949.

Don graduated with his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University. Don, or “Herm” to so many, was well known in the town of Wayland for his dedicated 32 years of teaching, and 40 years of coaching girls’ and boys’ basketball at Wayland Union Schools.

He loved all things sports and cheered on the University of Michigan athletic teams alongside his best friend, Zack Moushegain. Don spent his retirement years substitute teaching, helping in maintenance with Wayland Union Schools, and going out to breakfast with his daughters, grandchildren and friends. He was known for riding around town and having his daily breakfast at Big Boy.

Don is survived by his two daughters Danae (James) Talsma of Byron Center, Dalee Nwimo of Grand Rapids; stepdaughter Tricia (Louis) Trost of Osceola, Ind.; many cousins; and close family friend, Jennifer Moushegian of Wayland. He was the beloved grandfather to five children Bryce, Sawyer, Madeline, Adaleigh and Sutton.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Diana Hermenitt Sr. and brother, Steven Hermenitt of Gun Lake.

A celebration of life visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022 at Wayland Union Middle School, 701 Wildcat Drive, Wayland, with a sharing of memories time beginning at 3 p.m. Don’s family welcomes people to come and share stories to honor his memory, along with wearing green and white to remember his time teaching and coaching in Wayland, or blue and gold for his diehard team, University of Michigan.

In memory of Don and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wayland Union Schools Athletic Boosters.