John Dwarshuis

John Leonard Dwarshuis went to his heavenly home on August 23, 2025, the day after his 98th birthday. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and spent most of his life there. He was a child of the Great Depression which shaped his personal practices of avoiding waste, using and reinventing worn-out items, and saving and investing money. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy so that he could contribute his energies to WWII. He returned home after the war ended and began a 40-year career at Hotpoint - General Electric where he worked as an electrician. He supported the attendance of Lawndale students at Timothy Christian Schools in Cicero, Illinois, in the mid-1960’s, which was a city fiercely against the inclusion of black students in their all-white neighborhood.

John was active as an elder at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church and a member of the school board at Timothy Christian Schools. In his late 40’s he received his real estate license but never used it for a profession. After his retirement at age 62, he continued to work for others doing home repairs and improvement projects. His later-in-life service was at New to You, a resale shop whose revenue helped students at Timothy Christian Schools. He loved financially supporting Chicago West Side Christian School, Lawndale CRC, Timothy Christian School, and World Renew with an emphasis on clean water resources. 

John was known for his excellent and exact craftsmanship, his “dad” jokes, and his desire to continue his education through reading.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jeanne, in May. He was also preceded in death by his son, Brian Dwarshuis and grandson, Aaron Frens. He leaves his children to carry on his legacy: Lynn and Bob Frens, John and Diana Dwarshuis; grandchildren, Micah and Mackenzie Frens, Noah Frens, Caleb and Jenn Frens; great-grandchildren, Caden and Madi Frens, Jael-Jeanne Frens, Noah-Lynn Frens, and soon-to-be baby Frens.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 5, at Faith Community Christian Reformed Church, 5250 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Caleb Frens officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Chicago West Side Christian School.