John DeWeert

John DeWeert, age 85, of Holland, Michigan died peacefully Sunday, January 14, 2018.

He was born and raised in Holland on 17th St., graduated from Holland High School in 1950 and Hope College in 1954. John married his high school sweetheart, Jean Cook, who he was happily married to for 64 years. He served his country in the US army for two years and then completed his education at the University of Michigan, earning his MBA.

He spent his career in the printing business at Harris Corp. and John and Jean raised their young family while living in Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. In 1974 they returned to the Holland/Zeeland area to be closer to family and friends. He started a new business, Clean Print Systems with friends from the printing business. John embraced his retirement years wholeheartedly, being a devoted husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend.

He was a member of Hope Church and enjoyed spending time at Herrick Library and Evergreen Commons. John loved the Holland community and would frequently be seen walking in the downtown area bouncing a tennis ball.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna and his brother, Earl.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean, and children:

Jan and Dave Zessin of Holland and Tom and Sue DeWeert of Bloomington, Illinois; grandchildren: Tim and Jenn Zessin, Joe and Lauren Zessin, Pete and Kayla Zessin, Dan and Kate DeWeert, Christine and Brad Pearson and Lisa DeWeert; great grandchildren: Lily, Anna, Riley, Bennett, Joanna, Will and Brady; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Special thanks to Appledorn Care Center and Hospice of Holland for their loving care in John’s final months.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 am, Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Hope Church, 77 West 11th Street in Holland. Reverends Jill Russell and Gordon Wiersma will be officiating.

Visitation will be at 10am prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to The Warm Friend, where John and Jean spent their last four years together, 5 E. 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423 or Herrick Public Library, 300 S. River Avenue, Holland, MI 49423. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home – Downtown Chapel.