John Gootjes

John Gootjes, age 84, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Theressa; son Johnny; brother Kees Gootjes. John will be lovingly remembered by his children, Rick and Deb Gootjes, Marcia and Larry Brandes, Caroline and Bob Deppe; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; siblings Winnie Prins, Amy and John Vos, Betty Postema, Anne Gootjes, Dick and Carol Gootjes, Pete and Ann Gootjes, Paul Gootjes, Annette Gootjes; sisters-in-law Anne Buunk, Grace Shearer; many nieces and nephews. John immigrated from the Netherlands and later married his sweetheart, Theressa. They were longtime members of Millbrook Christian Reformed Church. John proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. John was also a member of the Metropolitan Choir of Praise for many years. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 6, at 11:00am at Millbrook Christian Reformed Church, 3661 Poinsettia Ave. SE, with Rev. Will Hensen officiating. Relatives and friends may visit the family on Friday from 5pm-8pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, and from 10-10:45am at church on Saturday. Interment at Rest Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.