John Arndt

On Tuesday, March 15, while vacationing on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, John went home to heaven after passing away unexpectedly from complications following a stroke. His wife Patti and sons Matt and Ryan were at his side.

Before retiring, John had his degree in Accounting and Finance from Northern Michigan University and a MBA from Grand Valley University. He worked in the accounting area his entire professional life. He was the controller for Point West Resorts, worked for BASF, Meridian and finished his career at Davenport University, retiring in 2009.

John had three priorities in his life…his family, his relationship with God, and the game of golf. He was a strong man with a very loving heart for everyone. He always had a warm smile, a good natured teasing spirit, and a giant hug for his family and friends.

John enjoyed being on the lawn mowing team at his church, volunteering his time driving that big tractor. He was involved with his Care Circle in their support of the Kid’s Hope program at Jefferson School, providing meals for their group outings throughout the year.

John was a member of the Holland Country Club, the Wolverine Seniors golf group and the Ravines Golf Club. You always knew where to find him every Monday, Wednesday and Friday …at the golf course with his golfing buddies. No matter what the weather, he was ready to play.

John made four trips to Ireland with his Holland Country Club friends. Those golfing trips were the highlight of his golfing career. Just last week, John got his first “hole in one” at Eagle Nest golf course in North Myrtle Beach.

John and his wife Patti spent the last seven winters in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they developed a whole new group of golfing friends from around the country and Canada. He truly enjoyed his retirement and his friends that came with it, both old and new.

John openly loved his wife, his sons and their families. He told them often how much he cared for them and what joy they brought to his life. John cherished spending time with family, whether it was in Colorado or hosting yearly family gatherings at his home in Saugatuck. He was an amazing “Opa” to his three precious granddaughters Lennyn, Willow and Emeline. He loved reading to them and being the “grand prince” in their princess playtimes. They loved their Opa so very much. He was a kind man with a gentle soul.

John had a large circle of friends and was always planning social outings whether on the golf course or welcoming friends into his home. He loved people as they were and was accepting of all, living his Christian faith in his daily encounters with everyone he met. While not one to talk about his beliefs, he instead lived them out each day. He had a caring heart, a loud boisterous laugh and a warm hug for everyone in his life. He will be greatly missed by his adoring wife Patti, his proud sons and daughter-in-law’s, Molly and Kelly, his beautiful granddaughters, his wonderful sisters and his other family and friends. He was a man of honor and integrity. He led by example, and will leave behind his legacy of love.

Funeral services will be held Monday 1:00PM at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 West 40th St. with Rev. Paul Hontz and Rev. Larry Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday 4-7 at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 188 W. 32nd St. Holland.