Condolence & Memory Journal
My father was good friends with John throughout his life. As a child we visited from across the country and John and Thelma made us feel so welcomed and right at home. He was a good man and I know he will be very missed.
Posted by Christine Serva - Centennial, CO - Family Friend November 14, 2020
John not only would do anything for anyone - he did everything for anybody. Fist bumps, talking football, he was definitely a presence. You will live on in HHS history Big Guy.
Posted by Mike Weller - Howell, MI November 12, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I worked at the Holland Post Office and waited on John many times. He was so kind and caring. Always enjoyed talking with him. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by Tami Brower Van Omen - Hamilton, MI - Friend November 10, 2020
John was dearly loved at Maplewood Reformed Church. As an usher, he always had a warm welcome for all who came. As a staff, John was often concerned we had cookies for coffee time. His life impacted so many at Maplewood and beyond. God has received his faithful servant home to a place He has personally prepared for John.
Posted by Daniel Jelsma - West Olive, MI - acquaintance November 10, 2020
John was a great guy to talk sports with whenever I saw him at the Dutch Dome . He sure liked the Giants and was always good for a pregame fist bump .
Posted by Paul Chapman - Friend November 08, 2020
John was always a friendly man filled with grace and a genuine interest in me and my teams. I am very sorry to hear about his passing. He will be missed.
Posted by Mark Northuis - Holland, MI - Friend November 08, 2020
John was at HHS as custodian during many of my teaching years - His love of the NY Giants was always obvious ! He was a great person & I was fortunate to count him as a friend
Posted by Ray Backus - MI - Coworker November 05, 2020
Much loved by all - sweet, dear man.
Posted by Mara Williams, Student HHS - Holland, MI November 04, 2020
John was a custodian at Holland High during my three years there and always helpful and friendly. I remember one day I slipped on water and spilled my books and stuff all over and he helped me pick it all up besides making sure I was all right. Great man and he will be missed, RIP
Posted by Salkyb Anderson - Holland, MI - Student November 04, 2020
John will be missed. He always had big smile on his face and was always interested in how you were doing. Big John, we love you! The Visscher Family
Posted by Garry Visscher - Holland, MI - Friend November 03, 2020
My deepest sympathy goes out to John's family. I will always remember "Big John" as a great friend and coworker at HPS.
Posted by Steve Burton - Coworker November 03, 2020
Big John was a presence at HHS that we will never forget. As the head football coach, it was a tradition for John to give me a Jersey Shuffle and a big eeeooo before every home game. We joked and laughed with each other regularly. He won't be forgotten.
Posted by Shawn McManus - Friend November 03, 2020
I am very sad to learn of John's passing. All of the Holland High School students and staff really liked John. What a great guy and a true Dutchman. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace "Big John".
Posted by Charles Bullard - Holland, MI - Friend November 03, 2020
"Big" John was a legend at Holland High School, not because of his body size, but because of all of the love he had in his heart for the students and faculty there. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, John.
Posted by Eva Eveleth - Holland, MI - Coworker November 03, 2020
