John Syswerda

John Ray Syswerda, 84, of Allendale, MI, left his joyful life here on earth for one of eternal joy with his Savior on March 8, 2025. John loved his Savior most of all and his family intensely and unconditionally. They will be forever grateful for his huge smile, his love of laughing, and the love he showed so readily. John was born to Herman and Lucile Syswerda on April 22, 1940, in Marne, MI. John met and then married Jean (Bloomer), the love of his life, on May 4, 1973. Together they enjoyed the blessing of their three (amazing) children: Holly (Jason) Grate, Shelly (Joshua) Buck, and Derek Syswerda (Rebecca Folly). John’s grandchildren were a constant source of love, raucous laughter, and pride: Elijah Grate (Grace Hovingh), Emelia Grate and fiancé Raphael Meyers, Ezekiel Grate, Noah Buck, Zoe Buck, Ava Buck (d. 2005), Ephram Buck, Abraham Syswerda, Theodore Syswerda; and great-granddaughter, Hazel Grate. John came from a family of 13 children: Ivan Syswerda (d. 2023), Mary Ellen Sheridan, Maxine DeGaynor, Roger Syswerda (d. 2024), Dorothy Langeland, David Syswerda, Donna Vander Wal (d. 2018), Randall Syswerda (d. 2019), Bonnie Olexa, Connie Meiste, Edward Syswerda, and Karel Swanson. This man who never met a stranger also leaves behind scores of friends, in-laws, nieces and nephews, many of whom will remember him for his masterful joke-telling. John aka “boss” taught residential construction at Cedar Springs High School for 28 years, building with his students 28 homes sprinkled throughout the Cedar Springs community. He also coached golf, his favorite sport except for baseball, softball, basketball, and football. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1995/96. After retirement John’s passion for gardening increased. A farm boy at heart, he grew over 100 tomato plants as well as 22 apple trees of various varieties. He liked nothing better than to get up early on a summer morning and spend a few hours hoeing weeds. But truly John’s greatest devotion was for his Savior. He loved to sing and could be heard every Sunday raising his voice in song. He knew hundreds of hymns by heart and as church music changed, so did he, embracing the opportunity to sing a new song to the Lord. Throughout his life John embodied well the words of his favorite Bible verse: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV). A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St. with Pastor Peter Yoshonis officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Friday from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.  Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to a ministry close to their heart: Surprised by Hope, 464 Adaway Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301.