John Jay Ten Cate

  John Jay Ten Cate, age 85, of Grandville, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 13, 2015. John was born on September 10, 1929 to Ben and Lena (Terpstra) Ten Cate in Holland, Michigan. After graduating from High School, he attended Hope College, studying chemistry with the intent of becoming a mortician; however, his studies were cut short when he was called to serve his country in Korea, where he attained the rank of Corporal as a Radio Telephone Technician. After returning from Korea, he began work for Kraft Foods in July of 1954, first as a salesman and later as an account representative. He was with Kraft Foods for nearly 50 years. John was active at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, serving as Sunday School Director and Youth Adult Leader. He was also an accomplished accordion player and musician and enjoyed sharing his talents at church, nursing homes, and the Veteran’s Facility. John also volunteered for Project Phillip, distributing tracts and bibles and serving in various roles within the organization. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Beatrice (Toering) Ten Cate; children and grandchildren, James and Deborah Ten Cate (Emily, Lauren), David and Liz Ten Cate (Ben). Funeral services will be held on Tuesday 11 AM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW. Interment will be held at Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 5-8 PM and Tuesday from 10:00-10:45AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Reaching America Ministries (formerly Project Philip).