John was a man of God, golf and giving. Honest John, Grandpa Apple, and Woof-Woof were some of the names he was also known by. He was a graduate of Calvin College and held a master's degree from University of Michigan; always a "Go Blue" fan. Modeling the values of hard work, organization, and integrity was the way he approached every day including his teenage years of caddying at Kent and Blythefield Country Clubs to his career at General Motors.

John was a long time member of Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church, but found a new and loving church home at Peace Church during the last few years. Faith was central to his life and expressed itself in many ways including church work and nursing home visits (he kept a record!), as well as volunteering with the Red Cross and Gideons.

John was an avid golfer, learning the game at a young age, played on the Calvin golf team and continued playing through his 95th birthday. He loved to compete at golf, especially with his son John and his son in law Will. "Shooting his age" was always a target when he reached his 80's and 90's. Everyone who had the opportunity to play with him was always amazed at his incredible short game of chipping and putting.

John was naturally curious and interested in everything and everyone. He had the gift of gab, and so, had a wide circle of friends. M & M's, nuts and peppermints were a welcoming mainstay on the counter for any visitor. You never left his house without some baked goods, chex mix, an apple, or a last word from him.

John was blessed with a 67 year marriage to his high school sweetheart Tressa (1932- 2019). His loving heart and a lifetime of stories shared will be treasured by his children; Judy Vander Henst (William Brenneman), Joan (Dan) Boverhof, and John D. (Deb) Vander Henst, grandchildren and great grandchildren, including all those he embraced as family over his 96 years of a well lived life.

There will be no service, as John chose to have a " Celebration of Life" 95th Birthday. He enjoyed multiple birthday events last summer, celebrating along with many of you that he so dearly loved. So instead of a funeral, in memory of our Dad, go out today and be a friend to someone. Be generous. Be kind. Be thoughtful. Live a life with purpose.