Donald R Hylkema

Donald R. Hylkema, 86 of Zanesville, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at Mayfair Village Nursing Care Center in Columbus, Ohio.

He was born on April 28, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, son of the late Cornelius Hylkema and Eleanor (Kelseimer) Kirchgessner. Don graduated from Amherst High School in 1957 and later attended Ohio University in Athens. He worked for WHIZ Radio Station as a host, along with several other positions for over 40 years, where he retired. Don was a Jazz aficionado and loved traveling with his wife, Pat, collecting model trains, and elephant figurines. He was an avid Buffalo Sabers hockey and Buffalo Bills football fan.      

Don is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Dailey) Hylkema; daughter, Leigh Hylkema; 3 stepchildren: Scott (Ginger) Madigan, Jay (Brandi) Madigan, and Holley (Charles Rich) Madigan; and several grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his 2 brothers: Thomas Kirchgessner and John Kirchgessner; and sister, Connie Lutz.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The American Foundation for the Blind or WOUB Public Media in honor of Don.

Calling hours will be held on Friday August 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home, where services will be held at 1:00 PM with Pastor Jay Madigan officiating. Burial will conclude services at St. Paul Cemetery in Zanesville.

DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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