John Alkema

John Junior Alkema was a sincere, generous, and faithful man whose kindness touched everyone he met. His gentle spirit, sense of responsibility, and genuine warmth guided the way he lived, worked, and served his community. Family, friends, and neighbors knew him as a steady presence who treated life’s challenges with patience, determination, and a heart always open to helping others.

In 1932, when the Great Depression gripped the nation, the people of Grand Rapids, Michigan leaned on neighborly bonds to persevere. It was in this resilient city on February 7, 1932, that John was born. He infused fresh hope into a time of uncertainty, and Grand Rapids would forever remain central to his story.

Raised by his father, John Henry Alkema, who worked at the local gas company, and his homemaker mother, Ella (Johnson) Alkema, John was the youngest of three boys, with Henry and Louis ahead of him by a full 14 years. The family soon moved to a dairy farm on Walker Road. Early on, John discovered the value of dedication as he juggled chores on the farm with lessons at Simon School, a one-room schoolhouse on Three Mile Road. Milking routines bookended school days, teaching him commitment and humility. When he reached his teenage years, John advanced to Union High School, where he maintained a strong work ethic despite a busy schedule on the farm. In tenth grade biology, fate paired him with Barbara “Barb” Malmberg, a bright classmate who became his partner both in class and in life. Their first date was ice skating at Richmond Park, sparking a mutual love of gliding across frozen ponds and forging a bond that lasted a lifetime.

John graduated from Union High in 1950. He continued running the farm and collecting cans of milk from local farms, even as his father’s health declined. After his father’s passing in 1955, John felt an even stronger duty to care for his family. He and Barb married on June 5, 1952, at Mission Covenant Church, celebrating with a honeymoon at Niagara Falls. They set up their first home in a trailer on the farm, where they started raising their children: Kay, born in 1953, Steven in 1954, and Janet in 1959. John worked briefly at Greenleaf Dairy before becoming a commission agent with Farm Bureau Insurance, selling policies to local farmers who appreciated his rural background. He rose early to make breakfast for his kids and see them off to school, while Barb spent nearly 30 years driving a school bus for Kenowa Hills Public Schools.

In 1958, John’s mother died, leading the family to sell the farm. He and Barb built a new home on Pheasant NW, where they lived for 60 years. With a spacious backyard perfect for winter snowmobiling, the family embraced Michigan’s seasons. Summer brought pop-up camping near Sand and Strawberry Lakes, as well as road trips to Florida, Arizona, New York, Montana, and Wyoming. John left Farm Bureau in 1974 to join the Syrett, Zeerip, and Weidenfeller Agency (SZW), where he became a partner and remained until 1994. Amid these responsibilities, the family created lasting memories during spring breaks in Florida, including one trip to Panama City that was drenched in rain from start to finish.

Outdoor adventures were a mainstay. John never missed the opening day of deer season from 1962 onward. Fishing for trout, salmon, or panfish was another passion, and he raised three bird dogs to enjoy bird hunting. When Kay and Steve were in high school, he taught himself downhill skiing so he could join them at Cannonsburg, Pando, and Boyne. Later, he ventured out west with friends for bigger slopes. John and Barb also shared a fondness for golf at Gracewil, often receiving rounds of golf and dinner gift certificates from their children for Mother’s and Father’s Day.

For 30 years, the family kept an RV at Johnson’s Trailer Park near Montague. John loved inviting grandchildren for overnight stays, leading them to the beach, playing shuffleboard, and exploring the creek. A day at Michigan’s Adventure was common. His faith also found expression in the hymns he sang on Sundays. Although he favored meat-and-potato meals—especially venison or fish—he had a sweet spot for chocolate, ice cream, and cappuccino. Throughout his life, people described him as sincere, gentle, and unfailingly kind.

John’s love for the City of Walker went beyond nostalgia. He served as a volunteer firefighter and was later elected to the City Commission, playing a key role on the Planning Commission that developed many local parks. His half-century of service earned him a special award in recognition of his devotion. In retirement, John and Barb traveled widely, including a trip to Brazil to see their onetime exchange student, Ricardo, and two visits to Europe. They also spent six-week stretches on Anna Maria Island for nearly three decades, savoring the warmth and community there.

In 1993, John chaired the Building Project for Covenant Living of the Great Lakes (CVGL), working tirelessly to secure neighborhood support for the new facility. He was honored years later at its 25th anniversary, celebrating a project that gave seniors a welcoming environment. In his youth, John attended Berean Baptist Church, later joining the Covenant Church with Barb, remaining active for 72 years. He cycled through many church committees—Deacon, church chairman, youth group volunteer—seldom missing a chance to serve. One highlight was his involvement in the “39ers group,” where he and Barb enjoyed fellowship and friendship.

John’s dedication to service extended to Dégagé Ministries, where he volunteered for two decades. Even after macular degeneration limited his driving, he found other ways to get there, reflecting his deep commitment to helping others. True to his name, he was a “walker” at heart, often roaming the property around Pheasant NW, known locally as the “Back Forty” of Blandford Nature Center. After moving to CVGL, he still took his walker out to navigate the neighborhood or surprise his grandson Peter at his nearby home. He realized his dream of walking into Hannah’s wedding Sept 1, 2024 and sharing a dance, a testament to his perseverance.

In late November of 2024, John began to experience debilitating back problems that forced him to slow down. These issues triggered persistent atrial fibrillation, leading to four hospital stays from December to January to manage fluid around his heart. Though he enjoyed Christmas Eve with family, he spent Christmas Day in the hospital, where he was diagnosed with heart failure. He later transitioned to hospice care in late January 2025. Surrounded by love, John passed away on March 3, 2025.

In the end, John’s 93 years were defined by service, devotion, and warmth. His quiet leadership and steadfast kindness shaped countless lives, from the farmers he advised to the grandchildren he cherished. Those who wish to honor him might remember his passion for walking—each step a reflection of his determination to keep moving forward in faith and love. By taking a daily stroll or pausing to help someone in need, we can all carry on the spirit of a man who gave his time, heart, and unwavering kindness to everyone he met

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Mr. John J. Alkema age 93, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 3, 2025. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Henry and Louis Alkema; son-in-law, Chris Little; brother-in-law, Paul Malmberg; and sisters-in-law, Jessie, Sue and Clara Alkema. John is survived by his wife of 72 years, Barbara; children, Kay Little, Steven (Ellen) Alkema and Janet (Juan) Alkema – Pagán; grandchildren, Rachel (Scott) Edema, Timothy (Kelley) Alkema, Peter (Alissa) Alkema, Hannah (Ross) Stuart, Karen (Darik) Willson and Sarah Little; great-grandchildren, Madison, Emily, Zachary, Ian, Evelyn, Kirsten, Hunter, Isabella, Clara, Noah, Londyn and Declan; and great-great-grandchild, Roman. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Ila Malmberg and Marvin (Beverly) Malmberg; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, March 10, 2025 at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd NW. The family will receive visitors from 4-6 PM on Sunday, March 9, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes-Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW and on Monday for one hour prior to the service at church. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory may be made to First Evangelical Covenant Church or Dégagé Ministries. Please take time to celebrate John’s life by sharing stories and photos on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com