John Buurstra

September 16, 1965 ~
January 11, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Buurstra, age 58, on January 11, 2024. After a four-month battle with brain cancer, he passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born on September 16, 1965, and was a beloved husband and father of three.

Surviving him are his wife, Debbie; his two sons, Drake and Cade; daughter, Blair; two older brothers, Jeff (Betsy) Buurstra, and Jim (Missie) Buurstra; in-laws, Andy DeYoung, Maurice (Susie) DeYoung, James (Lori) DeYoung, Kathy (Mark) Temple; and numerous nieces and nephews. John loved to play softball, he loved Michigan sports, and he especially loved his dog. He touched the lives of many with his selflessness, his humor, and his big heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Scripture Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at St. Luke University Parish, 10144 42nd Ave, Jenison with Fr. Rob Mulderink officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Glioblastoma Foundation.

Memorial Visitation: Thursday, January 25 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Memorial Visitation
Thursday, January 25
10:00am - 11:00am

St. Luke University Parish
10144 42nd Ave.
Jenison, MI 49428
Get Directions

Memorial Scripture Service: Thursday, January 25 | 11:00am

Memorial Scripture Service
Thursday, January 25
11:00am

St. Luke University Parish
10144 42nd Ave.
Jenison, MI 49428
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

February 04, 2024

John and I had many conversations about good movies and baseball when he would deliver to our Family Fare store. He had a great sense of humor ! I was privileged to know him. He will be missed a lot. Daily prayers are being said for all his family during these difficult days. Rest in peace good friend. Ike

- Eileen ( Ike ) Black

January 21, 2024

John & I went to school together & played pee wee baseball together on a couple teams. He was a grade above me so as we got older we lost contact. We played so many pick up basketball, football & softball games it was unbelievable! I ran into him once on his delivery routes & we re connected through facebook of course but still cannot believe he is gone. He truly was a great guy & will be a loss to everyone he touched in life, especially his family. Prayers for the family & may his soul rest in peace.

- Michael Everling

January 17, 2024

John and I were very close when we were kids hanging out everyday either playing baseball in his backyard, building big snow ramps in his backyard to playing ping pong (a lot) or going swimming during the summer to the places that you use to be able to swim at as kids… we lost touch after high school only to run into him at the store and he was filling ice cream. I remember leaving there with this feeling that it was really great to run into him and to see him again, we stayed in touch here and there and visited to talk a few times. John will be really missed for sure, he was one of the good guys for sure!! RIP JOHN…

- Jamie webster

January 16, 2024

John was a member of our Fantasy Football League. He was a gentle, kind, and respectful man. He will be missed! My condolences to his family.

- Mike Travis

January 15, 2024

My cousin always treated me with a respect even though he 11 years older than me. He was funny, cool, athletic, knew about sports and movies, and looked after me on adventures to Detroit to see the Tigers play. He even gave me his old baseball card collection which I cherished while growing up. It was always a treat to hang out with John and his brothers on summer trips to Michigan. John loved his family, and he was loved by his family. I will miss him.

- SCOTT JOHNSON

January 15, 2024

John and I worked together for years. He was such a genuine soul. I will cherish all he taught me and the laughs we shared!

- Shannon Carlton

January 15, 2024

Loved you like a brother. Rest easy.

- Matthew Buchholz