John Visscher

John G. Visscher was a man of strength, a strong will, and plenty of energy. Suited to his trade as a craftsman, he was always busy doing something, never able to sit still for long. He lived in three countries, experienced a World War and the Great Depression, and made a successful career for himself. He wanted his children and grandchildren to be successful and happy and encouraged them to pursue the things he thought would be most beneficial for them.

Lammert and Janna (VanderVegt) Visscher had their hands full from day one after John was born. He hit the ground running on September 12, 1921, in Dalfsen, the Netherlands. As a child, his adventurous nature often made things interesting for those around him. He and his friends would ice skate on the canals, racing and playing games. On one occasion they were playing follow the leader and John was in front. He did not notice a thin patch of ice and suddenly with a crack and a splash he was through, immersed in the frigid water. He came up in time to see three others endure the same chilly fate. They all got out safely, to the relief of those watching.

In his hometown, the police patrolled the city on bicycles. Mischievous John decided to let the air out of the tires on one of the bikes. His fast talking convinced the police of his innocence, but as the officer walked away John threw the valve stem cover at him. He certainly never lacked self-confidence. John attended trade school in Zwolle, the Netherlands, and his love for working with his hands stayed with him all of his life.

The tiny country of the Netherlands was occupied by Germany during World War II. The Germans forced many young Dutch boys to work in ammunition factories in Germany. John would sometimes disguise himself as an old man to evade selection. Other young men would go into hiding in an area known as the Polder. The Polder was below sea level and used as farmland. German soldiers would not enter the area for fear that the Dutch would flood it and drown them. Toward the end of World War II, John served in the Netherland Air Force in England, maintaining aircraft.

John's brother had a girlfriend with a very charming sister named Tena. John and Tena dated and then wed in 1951. They were married in Zwolle, the Netherlands. Industrious and talented, Tena made her own wedding dress and the couple enjoyed a typical Dutch wedding. They were first married at the Justice of the Peace and then had a ceremony at the church. After the wedding they lived with her parents for a while, but soon they decided their future would take them away from their homeland. In 1953 they joined many of their countrymen and immigrated to Canada.

The Canadian government at the time required all immigrants to have a sponsor and a job already established in order to enter the country. Like virtually all others, John was told that he could have a job farming. He was not pleased about that. He had farmed in the Netherlands and hated it. When he arrived he was told there was no work in farming. He was glad to hear that. So he went into town and got a job in construction. He was able to work building the Christian school in Renfrew, a city north of Toronto.

In 1959 John found a sponsor in Grand Rapids, MI and a job opportunity at Baker Furniture in Holland, Michigan. He learned about this in the Christian Reformed Magazine called The Banner. He traveled to the States to learn more about the job and to meet their sponsor. He and Tena decided to make the move to the United States and he worked at Baker for four years. He then took a job with West Michigan Furniture and stayed with them for the next nineteen years. His last job was at Holland Christian Schools, the place he would eventually retire from.

John always enjoyed automobiles. When his children were young, he used to take the entire family for drives through car lots to check out the autos. The kids would most often have preferred to be playing games somewhere, but it was important to John, and he wanted them to enjoy it with him. He also enjoyed woodworking, especially making furniture, and counted his first saw as one of his most precious possessions. That saw was second only to the beautiful handmade desk he had built.

John did travel, visiting the Netherlands and Canada. He much preferred the quietness and serenity of small towns like the one he grew up in. His favorite vacation spots were Mackinac Island and their rented cottage on Silver Lake. While there he could fish in peace. On his most recent vacation, his suitcase broke. He didn't mind, though. Repairing it gave his busy hands something to do. His favorite place of all, however, was his very own home, especially the one he purchased in 1968 on Lake Macatawa. He loved to sit under his big silver maple and read.

Routine was very important to John. He appreciated structure and disliked surprises. He started his day the same way everyday for twenty-five years…with a bowl of Raisin Bran. His lunch was predictable as well; wheat bread, dried beef with mayonnaise and lettuce, two slices of raisin bread with a slice of cheese, and an apple or orange for lunch. Russ' perch dinners were his favorite. He also believed in the importance of staying abreast of current events. He was avid about politics and would watch the news from 6:00-8:00 PM every night. Time magazine was his favored periodical.

It was very important to John to live within walking distance of his church. He was a member of the Montello Park Christian Reformed Church and a former member of both Holland Heights and Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church’s. He liked to listen to choral music.

The thing John valued more than anything else was his family. He always wanted the best for them and provided them with a solid, consistent source of strength. He was pleased when their youngest child got married. Not only would he and Tena have time alone again, but his goal of preparing them for independence had been reached. He taught them the value of education and especially hoped that every grandchild would have the opportunity and desire to attend college.

John passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2003, in a local care facility. He was preceded in death by his wife Tena in 1990. He was eighty-two years old.

John is survived by his three children, Shirley (Marinus) Thoen of Port Huron, Brian (Cindy) Visscher of Muskegon, and Evelyn (Steve) VanderWoude of Jenison; two brothers, Jo Visscher and Be (Rina) Visscher, both of the Netherlands; nine grandchildren; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Friends will be received on Friday, December 5, from 7-9 PM at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 188 West 32nd Street. Services will be 1 PM Saturday, December 6, at the Chapel, Carol Flietstra officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. To read John's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to either the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee or Holland Christian Schools, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Although John will be greatly missed, his consistent nature and determination has provided his family and friends with a strong example and lasting memories.