John H. Jeltema

First and foremost, John Jeltema was a family man; he was an attentive and active father to his three sons, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the sixty-six years he spent with his beloved wife, Eloise. John was able to achieve great happiness in life dedicated to the simple foundations of family and fun.

1915 was a historic year for technology in the United States. While many Americans were finding work in the newly industrialized nation, Henry Ford was celebrating the completion of the one-millionth automobile to roll off the assembly line in Detroit, Michigan. Just two and a half hours west in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Charles and Sadie (Baker) Jeltema were having a celebration of their own as they welcomed the birth of their son, John, on January 17, 1915. John grew up in a traditionally large family; he was one of nine Jeltema children. A typical boy, he liked playing all kinds of sports and especially excelled at track in high school. In fact, he held a school record in one event and graduated from Davis Tech. Later in life, John became passionate about golf and bowling. He and his friends played on a bowling league twice a month during the winter, and golfed twice a week, if the weather permitted.

At 20, John met the love of his life, Eloise, while hanging out with some mutual friends. Over the next five years, their love for each other blossomed and they were married on October 11, 1940, at the home of the Pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. The couple spent the next sixty-six years together, raising their three sons: Joe (1942), Mike (1949) and Tom (1951), and sharing many special events and memories as a family.

John was a real "hands on" kind of father, and loved spending time with his boys. His sons have many fond memories with their father, but especially remember how on Sunday mornings they would wait in the car for him while he was still inside getting ready to go to church. After church they headed to Hill's Drug Store on Michigan Street, where John treated the boys to a cherry coke and their favorite sports magazine, and John would purchase a copy of the Chicago Tribune. On Sunday afternoons, John and the boys would regularly head to Hillcrest School for a game of baseball or football. Later in life, John was blessed with several grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he adored. He poured the same amount of love and attention into these relationships as he did with his own children. John enjoyed treating them to a bag of candy at the store and spending time with them.

When not at work at Doehler-Jarvis, from where he retired, John and the family enjoyed going camping whenever possible. They would often go camping with their neighbors to Interlochen, but when it was just them, they preferred going to Big Star Lake. The family also took a memorable trip to Niagara Falls. Once the boys were older, John and Eloise broadened their travels and visited places like Alaska, Connecticut, California, Arizona and many southern states, as well as a road trip alongside the Mississippi River. In addition, they enjoyed spending many July Fourths in Ludington and once took a trip to their daughter-in-law Annette's parents' place near Torch Lake, and journeyed up to Sault St. Marie afterwards.

John will be remembered as a man who knew that true joy and happiness came from being surrounded by family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

John H. Jeltema, age 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 23, 2006. John was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Sadie Jeltema, and six siblings. He is survived by his wife, Eloise Jeltema; children: Joe (Annette) Jeltema, Mike Jeltema, Tom (Linda) Jeltema; grandchildren: Michele (Tim) Mergener, Julie Jeltema, John Jeltema, Laura Jeltema, Christine Jeltema (Jeff Norkus), Jeff Jeltema and Brad Jeltema; great-grandchildren: Matt and Ryan Mergener; brother, Jake Jeltema; sister, Jeanette Milett; several nieces, nephews and friends. Friends are invited to meet with John's family on Thursday, October 26, from 7-9 p.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 27, at 2 p.m. at the funeral chapel with Rev. Duane Duhon officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of John or sign the online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan or Berean Baptist Church.