John Willis Verwolf

John Willis Verwolf, age 85, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 24, 2019. John was born July 16, 1933 in Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. William Verwolf and Fannie (Haveman) Verwolf; step-mother, Marie (Klunder) and his brother, William Allen “Bill” Verwolf. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Adeline K. (Goris) Verwolf; their children, Donna (Gary) Turner, Debra (Mike) Voorhorst, David (Sandi) Verwolf, Douglas (Kathie) Verwolf; brothers, Fred (Elena) Klunder, David Verwolf (Lou McKee); 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Gloria (Bill) Stronks, Marcy (Roger) Bonnema, Ginny (Jerry) Rozema; as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces. John graduated from Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa, served in the U. S. Navy and graduated from Calvin College in 1958. He earned a Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a Masters from Seattle Pacific University in school administration.  He also taught science at Fremont Christian School in Michigan.  He was principal of Watson Groen Christian School in Seattle, Washington, an administrator at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, and an administrator at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. John’s children would like to acknowledge his loving fatherly traits which he passed on to them by his example: his curiosity for the world around him, his perpetual optimism, his caring spirit, his knowledge on virtually any subject, and his spiritual depth and strong faith. John’s wife, Adeline, was always aware of his innate goodness. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Spectrum Health Blodgett for their kind and compassionate care for John in recent weeks. A private family graveside service has already taken place at Rest Lawn Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will be held at the Holland Home Raybrook Chapel, 2105 Raybrook St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family beginning at 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Chaplain Services or to the Holland Home Benevolent Fund.