Johannes "John" Witte (1948 - 2024)

Johannes "John" Witte, a man whose life was a testament to adventure, compassion, and powerful faith, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 27, 2024, beside his wife Lynda and brother Paul, while overlooking the beautiful flowers and trees outside his home office window. Born on January 22, 1948, in Drimmelen, the Netherlands, John embarked on a remarkable journey that touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on the world around him.

As a young immigrant, John arrived in the United States with his parents and six siblings, facing the challenges of adapting to a new country and language. Undeterred by obstacles, he embraced the opportunity to learn English, overcoming setbacks with resilience and determination. John's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education, culminating in an undergraduate degree from Calvin College and a Master's Degree from Hofstra University. Always open to new experience, John moved with his two young sons and their mother, Mary Witte, to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he worked for the Christian Reformed Church managing a hospitality house for members of the military and young adults. His career path led him to Witte Travel, where he dedicated himself to organizing group tours, specializing in journeys for church and school choir groups. His passion for travel knew no bounds, and he delighted in accompanying his groups to destinations near and far, from the sweeping plains of Africa to the ancient streets of Jerusalem. Trips to Vietnam with Witte Travel & Tours were particularly cherished memories for him. But, he once told his children that the best part of traveling was coming home.

John's true legacy lies not only in the places he visited but in the hearts he touched along the way. He possessed a boundless capacity for empathy, feeling the world's pain as deeply as if it were his own. John was a proud member of Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church, where he curated their art collection in the Woodlawn Ministry Center. His dedication to the church community was evident in his tireless efforts to enrich the spiritual and cultural life of those around him.

John often struggled to reconcile his faith with all of the pain in the world, wondering how a loving God could allow so many people to suffer. But, his faith endured, providing him with solace at the end of his life. In his last days, he told all who would listen that he knows to whom he belongs.

In the last decade of his life, John cultivated loving friendships with his neighbors, who enjoyed drinking wine and bourbon and talking into the night. He found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of community.

In John's final days, his family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the many, many friends John shared his life with. Each had a special story about how John had given himself to them in times of grief and joy.

John leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynda Barendse-Witte; his cherished children, Derek (Brooke) and Justin (Olivia); beloved step-children, Joe Barendse (Shelley Lehman), Nate Barendse (Deb), and Sarah Wolters (Dave); as well as his 17 amazing grandchildren. He also leaves his siblings, Henry (Thressa), Teunis, deceased, (Phyllis), Jo Bajema (Dan), Sophia Witte (Phil Vande-Riet), Herman (Laurie), Ina Burmeister (Warren), Paul, and Marlene Kramer (Tom), as well as a host of relatives, friends, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by his presence.

In celebrating John's life, let us honor his spirit of adventure, his boundless compassion, and his powerful faith. Though he may have embarked on his final journey, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. May his soul rest in eternal peace, knowing that his legacy of love will continue to shine brightly in the world he touched.

Visitation hours will be on Saturday, May 4, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm, at Woodlawn CRC Ministry Center, 3190 Burton St. SE.

The memorial service will be held at Calvin University Chapel, on Monday, May 6, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the John and Ena Witte Scholarship Fund, Rehoboth Christian School, P.O. Box 41, Rehoboth, NM 87322.