John J. Smit

John J. Smit, age 89, of Grandville, went to be with his Lord on Monday, July 24, 2017. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Ricky James Smit; granddaughter, Sarah Kaper; parents, Gerrit and Effie; and his wife’s parents, Martin and Clara Baker and Lloyd and Henrietta Fox. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 1/2 years, Rose Marie; children, Ron and Cheri Smit, Jan and Kris Kaper, Joanne and Randy Teesdale, Rodger and Kathy Smit; six grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren; siblings Henrietta Wiltjer, Len and Lenora Smit, Ken and Mary Smit; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. John served as a mechanic on the front lines with the US Army during the Korean War. He established John’s Auto Repair in 1956 and sold the business to his son Ron in 1993. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 29, at 10:30 am at Jenison Bible Church, 6360 14th Avenue, Hudsonville, with Pastor Lee Buer and Pastor David Brower officiating. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from  2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Dr. For those who wish, they may make memorial contributions to Truth Alive, Keys for Kids, or Jenison Bible Church Mission Fund.