John Klungle

John was born in Holland, and graduated from Holland High School. After high school, he had several local jobs and then moved to Detroit where John worked at the Willow Run Bomber plant. Later John joined the U.S. Army and served with pride and patriotism in the WWII Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations. While in the army, John was enrolled in the ASTP program, taking classes at various locations including the University of Maine. He later was assigned to Ordinance and eventually made his way to IE Shima. John was discharged March 4, 1946; came back to Michigan and took advantage of available benefits through the GI Bill. He graduated from the Radio Electronics course at De Forest’s Training; a De Vry School. During this time he lived in Chicago, which began his life – long fascination with the Windy City. Later, he learned typesetting through the Fennville Herald.

During his working career, John wore many hats. He was chief engineer at WHTC, co-owner and co-founder of WJBL (John Klungle, Bud Gryson, Len VerSchure), engineer at WKZO and WZZM, head of the Audio/Visual Department at Hope College, sales rep for Audio Distributors, electrician and electrical supervisor at Lifesaver’s, from where he retired in 1989. An Electrician by trade, John taught many classes at various locations for upcoming electricians; preparing them for the licensing exams. For a short period, he and Ruth also ran a bed & breakfast in their home on 32nd Street.

John loved working with wood: from small cabinets, to wooden windmills, to toys for his daughters and grandchildren. He could be found with one or more of them, in his basement or garage, tinkering with some project, “fixing” it, or just teaching the little ones to pound nails without hitting their thumbs. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandson were his pride and joy, as was he theirs. He was looking forward to the birth of his second great-grandchild, talking about visiting South Carolina after the birth. He had infinite patience, and pragmatic wisdom—“thinking outside the box” before it was fashionable. John was all about kids—it didn’t matter whose they were—from the little ones in various Children’s Church programs, to the students at Hope, all were made to feel they were an important and welcome addition to his world, and his home. He was always up for a gag, even if it were on him.

Having been involved in radio and television for many years, John’s mental music library was vast and varied—he had a song for everything, and wasn’t shy about sharing them. Song lyrics popped out of his mouth with little notice and much enthusiasm!! John’s position at Hope College expanded his music appreciation where he spent countless hours with the Music Department, recording many events including Vespers. Tulip Time also provided John with the opportunity to enjoy music. He spent many hours at Evergreen Commons running sound or lighting for the Tulip Time productions. Only his family would enjoy his singing “Elvira” along with the Oak Ridge Boys; what a “treat” for EVERYONE!!

John was always up for travel with Ruth, be it just to Toledo, to babysit the grandkids for the weekend, or a 25th anniversary trip to Hawaii (where he didn’t want to go again!!!) They traveled a lot of the US, and wintered in Florida, between trips to Ohio and South Carolina for the momentous events (as well as many un-events) in the lives of his daughters and his grandkids. Chicago and California were always favorite spots.

John loved color: “I love purple, no matter what color it is”: – was John’s phrase. Only a very self confident man could wear those outlandish ties in his collection, and the wild socks – when he could get out of the house with them on (and not get caught by the resident fashion police.

During his retirement years, John looked forward to Tuesday morning breakfasts with his brothers and sisters. Bowling as the Special K’s was a Friday tradition as was the summer golf outings. How many in-expensive golf courses can be found in the area??? Finding them was the goal!! Lunch with the “geezers” was also important, connecting him with guys from his radio days, especially Bill Gargano and Juke Van Os. Summer would find him in the garage with Jim Whitaker and other Deerview neighbors, solving the world’s problems and reminiscing about the old days.

Faith was a big part of John’s life. The family church was Reformed where John attended services, Sunday School and the those complicated catechism classes. With neighbor kids, John also participated in Young Boys Christian Association, forerunner to Cadet’s sponsored by the Christian Reformed Church. In his early adult years, John and his family were very active at the Fennville Bible Church where they developed and ran the youth program. Later, the family church home was Immanuel Baptist, where again John was involved with youth, also serving on the Church Board. After his marriage to Ruth, John returned to his Reformed roots, becoming a member of Calvary Reformed and later Trinity Reformed. John’s Biblical knowledge was outstanding; he loved to make up trick questions with logical WRONG answers; he even had the golf course attendant looking up non-existent Bible books and verses; Hezekiah has got to be there somewhere!! His greatest joy was having the whole family gathered at the dining room table, opening with prayer and ending with “all God’s people said AMEN”. The grandkids eagerly waited for those words and participated with gusto. On January 20, 2013, part of the family gathered at the Deerview condo, had Sunday dinner and ended the prayer with a resounding AMEN. After prayer with Ruth and his pastor on Thursday evening, John still gave forth with a very distinct AMEN.

John was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, Nick, Leonard, Jake, Nelson, and Janet Geertman.

Surviving is his wife of 35 years, Ruth; daughters, Patricia and Wade Rhoney of Greer, SC and Constance Zoodsma of Holland, OH; 5 grandchildren, Jonathon Rhoney, Katie (Travis) Waters, Chelsea (Allen) Koralewski, Adrian John (AJ) Zoodsma, and Theodore Zoodsma; 1 great grandson, Hayden; brother and sisters, Chuck Klungle, Sue Myrick, Ila Schutt, and Eleanor and George Moes all of Holland; in-laws, Roger and Carol Overweg of Hudsonville and Edna and Fred Zeeff of Zeeland; nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services will be 11 am Tuesday, at Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Ave., with Rev. Chris DeGraaf officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be 2:45 pm at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be 4-7 pm Monday at the Dykstra Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

John will be remembered as a man with a great sense of humor and style who loved his Lord, his family and his country. Farewell Poppy, we will always remember you, love you and continue to quote you.