John Nordstrom - March 17, 2020 - Obituary

Doug and I offer our condolences for the loss of your father. We have been friends with Jane & Phil, Nancy and Martha over the years. Jane and I were in college together when I first met your father. We both have always admired his gentle personality, wisdom and dedication to friends and family. He will be missed and you are all in our thoughts and prayers right now.

Posted by Laura Yntema - Hudsonville, MI - Friend March 28, 2020

Posted by Diana Mavis March 27, 2020

Dear Eileen and family,

My sincerest condolences. I was saddened to hear the news. John was always smiling, full of kind words, and such a 'gentle, giant man' with a big heart. His influence and faith touched many lives and many hearts over the years. I am privileged to have known him from my long-term employment and association with CFHZ. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by Diana Mavis - Lansing, MI March 27, 2020

So sad to see and hear this news. I cherish the times I spent being a caregiver to John and being able to meet and get to know his beautiful family. He was a great man and had faith in me and my career. Sent nothing but good vibes and took me in as part of his family during the times I cared for him. You will forever be loved and missed. With Love, and my deepest sympathies to the family.

Posted by Cassandra Limas March 24, 2020

To all of John's family, our deepest condolences and we are thinking of you. We send our love. Nancy, the obituary was wonderful!

Posted by Rani Falconer - Lompoc, CA March 23, 2020

John was a big person with a big heart, always smiling and happy to share a few words or memories. John was a very special person.

Posted by David - Holland, MI March 23, 2020

John was an amazing person who had a major impact on the Ruch family as our pastor, friend, and mentor. He and Eileen always greeted us with big smiles and warm regards. John made the world a better place and he willed be greatly missed!
You will all be in our prayers!

Posted by Doug & Linda Ruch - Saugatuck, MI - Family Friend March 22, 2020

Eileen and ladies, my heartfelt condolences to all of you, I'm going to miss those visits with John and his gentle and uplifting spirit.

Posted by Max Lokers - Holland, MI - Family Friend March 22, 2020

John was a pillar of our Holland community. His support for so many worthy organizations took time, energy, and great wisdom. He shall be missed.

Posted by Donna and Gary Bogle March 22, 2020

As a member of student congress in 1976-77, John asked me to join him on a few development presentations. He became a friend and mentor. A local bank president was looking to hire a hope graduate and John recommended me for the position. In May of 1977 I joined Peoples Bank of Holland as Personnel Officer. This led to a 40 year business career. Today I am honored to serve as Executive Director of Ottagan Addictions Recovery. John was one of the founders of OAR, a non-profit that has served those suffering from addiction for over 48 years in west Michigan. God has used John to save countless lives, and he has been a significant influencer in my life. God bless you John and welcome home.

Posted by David Teater - Spring Lake, MI - Friend March 22, 2020

Marty, Katie, and the rest of the fam,
So many memories with Opa. My heart is with you all as you go through this tough time, and praying that you feel God's warm embrace around you as you grieve, remember, and celebrate his life.

Lots of love!

Posted by Jessica Spencer - Holland, MI - Family Friend March 22, 2020

So sorry for your loss Nancy. What a remarkable and full filling life your father had. May his memory be eternal. sending you love and lots of hugs.

Posted by Loli - Friend March 21, 2020

Nancy, I am so sorry for the loss of your father, and for the sadness in your heart. I hope for your comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Posted by Barb Herman - Spring Lake, MI March 21, 2020

Eileen and family. Thank you for sharing John with us. He taught me much and served as a true example of a faithful pastor who was unafraid to speak the truth no matter the consequences. We heard about being reprimanded for riding bikes in Zeeland on Sunday as well as another pastor in town who always mowed his lawn in his white shirt and tie. Thank you John for pushing the limits.

Posted by Richard Bennink - Mattawan, MI March 21, 2020

May God's Strength, Peace, and Love be with you! John was a dynamic man, who blessed all who knew him; and Eileen, you are a wonderful blessing too!

Deb Fergus

Posted by A friend March 21, 2020

John hired me at Hope College and I could not have asked for a more supportive boss as a working woman and mom. I am so honored to have worked with him.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Nordstrom family.

Posted by Kristen Witkowski - Holland, MI March 21, 2020

Dear Eileeen, Our deepest sympathy for your loss.An amazing man, husband, father and G P.Touched so many lives, it was a privilege to know and learn from him. Blessings. John and Vicki Litwin

Posted by A friend March 21, 2020

John was a friend and a great luncheon companion. I will miss him.

Posted by Edward Marsilje - Holland, MI March 21, 2020

So sorry for your loss. He was a great man. You should all be so proud of him and how much he blessed everyone around him. He will always be praying for you while he waits for you in Heaven. Every day away from him is one day closer to him. Be strong. The best is yet to come. And when you see him again, it will be forever.

Posted by Lisa Howard - Zeeland, MI - Friend March 20, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

Posted by Mary Nykamp - Zeeland, MI - Family Friend March 20, 2020

John was a real gentleman and always great to be around. He was a tireless advocate for several Holland-area organizations!

Posted by John & Kim Shea - Holland, MI - Acquaintance March 20, 2020

I am honored to know such a wonderful person, may he rest in ever internal peace. My love and prayers are with his family

Posted by Melissa Tedeschi - West olive, MI March 20, 2020

Eileen so sorry for your loss. He was a great inspiring person who will be missed.

Posted by Jim Hoekstra - Zeeland, MI March 20, 2020

We treasure the time we spent with John, especially celebrating his birthdays in Florida.

Posted by Eck and Judi Luken - Miramar Beach, FL - Friend March 20, 2020

We treasure the memories of the time we spent with John, especially celebrating his birthdays in Florida.

Posted by Eck and Judi Luken - Miramar Beach - Friend March 20, 2020

So sorry for your loss Eileen. Prayers for strength and comfort. Steve and Norma Hook

Posted by Norma Hook - Zeeland, MI - Acquaintance March 20, 2020

A great and inspiring man. A community asset in so many ways. We will always remember our friendship.

Posted by Dave and Jane Armstrong - Holland, MI March 20, 2020

Deepest sympathy to all of you and deepest gratitude for John's full life.

Posted by Kathy and Leon VanRees - Holland, MI - Friend March 20, 2020

He was quite the guy! Always smiling and a great conversationalist. A large man of faith and testimony. I know my brother Rog loved him dearly so I hope they are having a good laugh at their reunion. Hugs, prayers and sympathy.

Posted by Nancy Yntema Long Long - Woodstock, GA March 20, 2020

Love to all of you. The stories mentioned surely peg him to a tee. That smile was a true picture of who he was. God's blessing to you all. Love Dick & Linda Schaftenaar

Posted by Linda Schaftenaar - Holland, MI - Friend March 20, 2020

Thoughts and prayers to the entire Nordstrom family in your time of sorrow and grief.

Posted by Scott Nash - Cedartown, GA - Acquaintance March 20, 2020

John was ahead of his time. He was a brilliant preacher and a kind friend. I am a better person for having known him.

Posted by Thomas Folkert - Kalamazoo, MI - Friend March 20, 2020

Dear Eileen, we are so sorry for your loss! John was a very special friend!

Posted by Eric & Carolyn Ellison - Holland, MI - Friend March 19, 2020

John married us one fine day in 1973. Since then, he would always remind us I did good, didnt I? He did so good in so many ways. Our hearts are with his loved ones.

Posted by KEN and - Friend March 18, 2020

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