John Koning

Although John Koning was never overbearing or boisterous in the lessons he taught us, the example he set through the choices he made each day will resound in the hearts and lives of his family and friends for years to come. He was kind, gentle, and soft spoken in his every thought, word, and deed, and he never hesitated to let others know how deeply they were loved. With his true love by his side for 66 years, John established the family he treasured who will be his shining legacy in a time and place that he will never see. A true blessing and gift in the lives of many, John will be deeply missed by those too numerous to count.

The decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties was a monumental period in our nation’s history. We took unprecedented steps forward with things such as the completion of the Wrigley Building and the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial. Inventions such as the washing machine and the refrigerator forever changed the way the world viewed America in addition to the way we lived our daily lives. It was amidst this time of great vibrancy that John’s story begins. He was welcomed into the world on May 12, 1922. Throughout his formative years John witnessed the prosperity of the twenties give way to the hardship of the thirties due to the Great Depression.

By the late thirties a great war loomed on the horizon, which escalated to the vicious attack on our homeland on December 7, 1941. As of the very next day, America engaged in WWII, and John became one of the countless young men who answered the call to serve during this time of great need. He served in the Navy during WWII, fighting for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today.

Not to be forgotten during John’s years as a young man was his introduction to the young woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Dorothy and John was smitten with her from the time he saw her riding her bike with a friend. John stopped his car right then and there and approached her, which led to a first date that same night. That night also marked their first kiss. They were married a short time later on July 26, 1945, and the new bride moved to Boston where John’s ship was docked during the war.

Shortly after the war ended, the newlyweds moved back to Holland, Michigan, where they were eager to plant roots. They initially lived with family, but it wasn’t long before they purchased their first home on Harrison Street. Together they were blessed with four children including Sally, Susan, Larry, and Mary. As fathers go, John’s children would say that they had the very best as he was the most kind and loving father they could have ever wished for. Everything he did was always laced with unconditional love for his family, and he taught his children and grandchildren so much about life and love through his selfless and caring acts. John enjoyed being with his family, and priceless family memories were made during summer vacations spent camping at Ottawa Beach with their card club friends. In order to support his family, John worked hard at Michigan Bell Telephone. This came in handy for his children and grandchildren as they all received a new phone installed in their bedrooms for their 16th birthday! John remained with the phone company until he retired.

Throughout John’s life he squeezed every last drop of living out of the moments he was given. As fans of both big band music and dancing, he and Dorothy loved dancing the night away as often as they were able. As his neighbors can attest, John had the best looking yard around as he loved spending time tending to his flowering trees and roses. He was also meticulous when it came to caring for his cars as he saw to it they received a weekly hand wash complete with a simonize wax. In fact, if a family member stopped by their cars usually received the same star treatment by the time they left! John was a member of Beechwood Church, and he also enjoyed reading and bird watching. According to John, there was nothing like his wife’s chocolate cake – although Hershey bars ran a close second.

Much of what brought John his greatest joy was wrapped up in the love he shared with his family. Not only was he a devoted father, but he was also a lovingly dedicated son who called and visited his mother almost every day after the death of his father. For many years during his retirement, John and his beloved Dorothy drove their travel trailer down to Panama City Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm sunshine during the winter. Although John would have preferred to stay home, he was more than willing to go along out of his selfless love for his wife.

During the sunset of his life John continued to embrace both the peaks and valleys that came his way. He struggled with heart issues and underwent two heart bypass surgeries. This provided John with the motivation to get out and walk every day in order to improve his health, usually in downtown Holland. An avid reader, he went to the library every couple of days to find books for both he and his wife. John particularly enjoyed reading Westerns.

Through the life of John Koning we see what it means to be truly selfless. He thought nothing of sacrificing his own needs or desires to give preference to the needs and desires of others whether his mother, his wife, or his children. A man of faith, John had a quiet strength that carried him throughout his journey and provided him with the resiliency to weather the storms of life. Life will never be the same without John here, but we find comfort in knowing that he is enjoying perfect peace in his eternal home.

John J. Koning of Holland died on Friday, July 22, 2011 at The Inn at Freedom Village. John’s family includes his wife, Dorothy; his children, Sally (Larry) Speet of Holland, Susan Koning of Holland, Larry (Karen) Koning Wilmington, NC, Mary (Rick) Zavadil of Holland; twelve grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Roy Morris of Holland; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Beechwood Church 895 Ottawa Beach Road in Holland. Pastor Greg Ten Brink and Wayne Overbeek will be officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visit with John’s family and friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are by Northwood Chapel - Dykstra Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.