John Richard Cole of Ada, Michigan, peacefully went home to his Savior on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the age of 83. John joined his mom and dad, Sally and Bill Cole, who welcomed him into the world on January 7, 1940, and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Cole, and her furry best friend, Nora, who John loved dearly. John's memory lives on with his surviving family: his wife, Cathy, who married her "Bearsie" 59 years ago; his children (and grandchildren), Courtney and Ted Minnema (Greta and her furry, four-legged sisters, Holly and Annie), Josh and Libby Cole (Maddie, Sydney, Charlie, Emma, Mason, Eva, and Kate), Si and Hien Van (Si John and Kylie), and Jeremy and Kristin Cole (Isaiah, Felicity, and Lincoln); his sisters and brothers, Cathryn and Ned Nielsen, Carol and George Washburn, and Bill and Marcia Cole; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

John was the most loving and loyal son, husband, dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend who lived life altruistically. From a very young age to his adult years, he demonstrated love and care for elders with his own parents. Upon graduating from Calvin College and Michigan State University with a master's degree, John worked for 46 years in social services where helping and caring for those in need were his professional priorities. His selflessness did not stop there. During his time as a parishioner at St. Paul the Apostle Church, John, along with his wife, assisted the school and parish in their early years (school board president, many BINGO Saturday nights, athletics, and more). However, John's love, loyalty, and selflessness shined the brightest when he was with his family. Family always came first with John. His family could count on him for anything. When it came to them, his needs were second. John was their biggest fan, cheerleader, confidant, mentor, coach, group leader, and role model. John helped shape his family into the loving people they are today.

As his health declined, he and his family were so thankful for his amazing caregivers. Julie Hoffer attended to John's needs with grace and benevolence. Raybrook's passionate personnel also showed daily compassion and love for John with wonderful care, physically and emotionally.

Please join us in celebrating John's life! The visitation is on Sunday, October 1, from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546. John's funeral will be on Monday, October 2, at 11:00 AM, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of the following: Carmelite Monastery, 4300 Mt. Carmel Drive, Ada, MI, 49301-9740, OR Dan Donnelly Scholarship Fund, St. Paul the Apostle School, 2750 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546.