Ivan Johnson

Matthew 25:21 “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Johnson, Ivan (Hamilton) A memorial service for Ivan G. Johnson will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 11:00 AM. The service will be held at the Hamilton Reformed Church where Ivan had been a life long member, and a former elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher. The Rev. Tom Dekker, Pastor Ron Lugten, and Pastor Joshua Johnson will officiate.

Born in Hamilton, on December 16, 1922, with the exception of the last months of his life which were spent at the Oak Crest Assisted Living Center in Holland, Hamilton remained Ivan’s life long home. He even met his wife of 63 years, the former Wilma VanKampen at the Hamilton roller rink. Being a member of The Greatest Generation, Ivan did leave Hamilton to serve our country during WWII and attained the rank of Sergeant while serving with the U.S. Army Infantry Division in France and Germany.

Ivan was a loyal and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. During his sons’ formative years, he spent many hours mentoring them by leading the Cub Scout troop, coaching softball, or crisscrossing the state to watch an event in which one of them was participating. Ivan was also a talented woodworker which was both his avocation and hobby. He spent much of his working life doing finish carpentry or custom woodworking projects for customers of the Hamilton Farm Bureau lumber yard, from which he retired in 1988.

Along with his wife Wilma, Ivan is survived by children; Bruce (Dawn) of Grand Rapids, Scott (Lorie) of Zeeland, Gene (Suzan) of Denver and daughter-in-laws, Rhonda Hart of Minneapolis, and Cheryl Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD. He is also survived by grandchildren Jason (Gina), Joshua (Nikki), Brian (Kerri), Sarah, Fauve, and Colin Johnson and Amy (Dan) Huyser, as well as nine great grandchildren. His sister Loraine (Phillip) Yskes of Zeeland and brother Cecil Johnson of Holland, brothers and sisters in-law June VanKampen, Alma (Ray) Tubergen, and Peter (Alma) VanKampen, all of Holland, and many nieces and nephews also survive him. He was preceded into glory by his son, the Rev. Jerry Johnson and eight brothers and sisters.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at the church, 3554 M-40, Hamilton, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Cathy Fucile and her staff at Lighthouse, Oak Crest of Holland for their loving and tender care and support during Ivan’s stay there. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Love, INC., 4621 135th Ave, Hamilton.

Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 188 West 32nd St. Holland. Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com to sign an on line register or to leave a memory.