John Marcus Moes, born on October 10, 1921, in Chicago, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2023. The heavens opened wide and welcomed home a beloved servant of the Lord. John lived a full life of love and service to his savior, his family, and his community, as a pastor of the word, a missionary, and servant-leader. He was joy and wisdom, patience and gentleness, kindness, and humility. He loved good puns, inventing machines, woodworking, discussing philosophy, theology, astronomy, and physics, learning languages (he knew several), painting and drawing, gardening, and caring for his family. He could calm a crying baby like no one else, show tender compassion to dying patients as a hospice volunteer, and still debate with learned scholars about Einstein's theory of relativity or the nature of the soul.

Following his military service during WWII, Calvin College Theological Seminary prepared him for a life of service, and he answered the call with enthusiasm and devotion. He served churches in Waterloo, IA, North Blendon, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, Lambertville, MI, Conrad, MT, and Helena, MT – also serving as Chaplain for the Montana House of Representatives. During the last twenty years of his ministry, he served as Chaplain to Seafarers in the port of Seattle, WA. There, hand in hand with his wife Elaine, they touched the lives of countless men from dozens of countries who always called them 'beloved Mom and Dad.'

John was blessed with a loving family who will carry on his legacy of faith and service. He is survived by his children, Garry (Karlinda) Moes, Peter Dys, Philip (Beckie) Moes, Gloria (Jack) Oostema, Paul (Phyllis) Moes, and Rachael (Paul) Larson. He is also survived by his siblings Joanne Vander Mey, Lydia Dokter, and in-laws Wes (Bev) Berghuis and Harriett Berghuis. His love and wisdom will live on in the hearts of his 19 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine, daughter Patricia Dys, great grandson, Isaac Moes, and siblings and in-laws, Ted (Rose) Moes, Marcia (George) Anema, Sylvia (Gene) Van Zee, Florence (Jan) Bolhuis, Homer Vander Mey, and Bernie Dokter. His memory will be cherished by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who were blessed to know and love him.

For all who knew him, let us rejoice in the knowledge that he is reunited with his beloved Elaine and resting in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior who has greeted him with these words:

'Well done, good and faithful servant! …Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matt. 25:21)

Please join John's family for a funeral service at Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Saturday, November 11, 11:00 am, with Rev. Talman Wagenmaker and Rev. Brook Moes officiating. John's family will greet relatives and friends for visitation at Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Friday, November 10 from 4-7 pm and one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday. A private family interment will be held at Dutton Cemetery in Gaines Township. Memorial gifts in John's name may be made to Bible League International .