John A. Holwerda

John was born in northern New Jersey in 1962, went to school at Eastern Christian, church at Midland Park Christian Reformed Church, and after high school moved to Michigan to attend the Reformed Bible College.

John was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early 20’s. Schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes everything from hearing voices, to believing certain things are cursed, to believing the glass of lemonade in front of him on the table is on fire. The disease is incurable. Thankfully, it can be treated with antipsychotic drugs. It takes a long time to determine which drug/dose is best, then the person needs to be monitored carefully because conditions change.

John’s caregivers at Hope Network and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services did a fantastic job of treating him such that he was able to engage with the Cutlerville community and became very well known. He walked to visit numerous places of business i.e. Stehouwer Auto Sales, Queen Bee Quilt Shop, VI Pets, Nabor Taxidermy, Sav-A-Lot, the body Shop, Sandy’s breakfast joint (when Sue Warsen was working), Express Hair Salon, Veurinks RV Center to name a handful, and became friendly with many owners and employees.

John also attended the Cutlerville East CRC and became long time friends with several people in the congregation.

John also loved music. He regularly played his violin at the Sunday evening church service at the Pine Rest Chapel. He recorded himself singing his favorite songs and would give the CDs out to others. Whenever you came into his room there was always music playing.

John was able to get out and visit friends and relatives near and far – even flying to Asheville to see cousin Steph and her husband Ray, and traveling back to New Jersey several times to visit with friends and family.

In July of 2020 John moved into Interactions at Pine Rest after a number of other living situations didn’t work out.

The staff at Pine Rest was a blessing from God. The genuine love, care and kindness was over the top, and for that we are forever grateful.

John was a good and kind friend to many, many people and his passing leaves a hole in many hearts.

Mr. John Albert Holwerda age 62, of Grand Rapids, passed away on March 23, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Evelyn Holwerda. John is survived by his brothers, Greg and Cheryl Holwerda, Douglas Holwerda and Daniel Holwerda; nephews, Aidan and Brandon Holwerda. A memorial service service for John and his mother, Evelyn, will be held on Saturday April 12 at 11 AM at Cutlerville East Christian Reformed Church, 501 68th St SE 49548. Visitation will be for 1 hr prior to the service. Contributions in his memory may be made to Pine Rest Christian Hospital or Faith Hospice. Celebrate John’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at heritagelifestory.com