John Kerkstra

John Henry Kerkstra, age 84, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 20, 2022. He passed away peacefully in the home of his son, Rick, after many months of lingering illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude, and his brothers, Roger, and Larry. John was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 14, 1938. Throughout his life, John worked diligently to provide for his family, whom he loved dearly. His strong work ethic lives on through his wife and sons. For over 30 years, he worked as a truck driver for M.C. Van Kampen Trucking. After retiring from that position, he taught C.D.L courses, and transported parts for Williams Detroit Diesel. He became a "homebody" later in his life, and treasured his time spent with his wife, Marilyn, and their dogs. He enjoyed golfing with his sons and walleye fishing with his brothers. John cultivated a fierce love for the Lord and cherished his faith in Jesus Christ. He enjoyed discussing scripture with his pastor, Pastor Lew, participating in Monday night Bible study, and singing in the Southern Gospel Quartet. It was the joy of his life to sing praises to the Lord and preach the gospel to everyone he met. A devoted husband, brother, father, and grandpa, John will be lovingly missed by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn, and their two dogs, Dewey and Sullivan, as well as: his brothers, Gordon (Barbara), Edward (Mary), and Allan (Agnes); his sons, Roger (Kathleen), Rick (Deborah), Brian; his grandsons, Brandon (Melissa), Erik, A.J., Sidney (Jessica), Benjamin, Dan (Olivia); his granddaughters, Danielle, Jenni (Sam), Serena, Angeline (Kevin), Brook (Zach); his great-grandsons, Logan, Lincoln, Brady, Bentley, Travis, Max; his great-granddaughter, Luella; and extended family and friends. He was loved by everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be hosted at New Community Church (2340 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505) on January 14, 2023, John's 85th birthday. Visitation will be from 10-11am, with a service officiated by Pastor Lew Vander Meer from 11-12pm refreshments to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to New Community Church or Faith Hospice of Michigan. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Kerkstra, please visit our floral store.