Johnny Donald Spoelman

It is with love and sorrow that we announce the passing of John D. Spoelman, who went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by his beloved family, just one day before his 91st birthday. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Lois Spoelman; their three children, Chari (Brian) Brink, Dan Spoelman, and Kurt Spoelman; seven grandchildren, Brandon (Morgan) Brink, Brittany Brink, Stacey (Ron) Pikaart, Tyler Spoelman, Aaron (Iliana) Spoelman, Leanne Tabaczka, and Kelly Spoelman; and eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Theressa Spoelman; father, John Spoelman; sister, Angie Steketee; grandson, baby Riley Spoelman; daughter-in-law, Theresa Spoelman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jacob and Grace VanderSchuur; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jack and Eva VanderSchuur, Harold and Lory VanderSchuur, Marvin and Patricia VanderSchuur. John honorably served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He gave his life to Jesus at a young age and was baptized as a boy. John continued to faithfully worship at churches throughout the Grand Rapids area and was a dedicated member of Grandville Bible Church. Over the years, he served in various roles, including Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, elder, deacon, and Boys Brigade leader. 

A lifelong educator, John spent 40 years in education, often working part-time in various other roles. John earned his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University. He earned a master's degree in counseling from Michigan State University, where he was a proud alumnus and continued to follow MSU sports with great enthusiasm, donning the green and white. 

John was also a builder, constructed five of their homes, and he cherished his time traveling in his motor homes. He fondly remembered the years spent camping, sailing, and later enjoying time with family at Sandy Pines. A true labor of love, John devoted many hours to Camp Beechpoint and supported organizations such as Billy Graham Ministries and Samaritan's Purse. Though he loved his work, his greatest joy was the love of his wife and family. To John, nothing mattered more than ensuring each of his family members knew the hope he had in Christ and would one day join him in heaven with Jesus.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Greg VanderMeer officiating. Burial Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Sunday, March 16, from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home. An additional time of visitation will be held on Monday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.