John Hodde

Mr. John Hodde was a man of strong character who consistently lived what he believed. His faith in God led him to work hard and to do his best at the tasks set before him, making him a loyal employee, a compassionate servant, and a loving husband and father. He was widely respected by friends and family for his honesty, wisdom, and faithfulness.

On June 13, 1914, Lambrecht and Peternella (Bechtel) Hodde welcomed their little boy, John, into the world, born in the family's Grand Rapids home on Jennette Avenue NW. Shortly thereafter, the Hoddes moved to a house on Lincoln Street, the home where John spent the years of his youth. He was baptized as Johannes at the Netherlands Reformed Church and attended Walker Elementary School, then Harrison Park School for three years. When it was time for high school, John went to Union High.

As he was growing up, John's parents taught him about faith, hard work, and responsibility in a variety of ways. The family joined Seventh Reformed Church where John attended catechism, learning Christian fundamentals that would form the foundation of his life. One year, John spent many evenings helping his father dig out their Michigan basement, mix concrete, and haul the concrete down the steps to finish the basement off. John always remembered the day Union let the students out early so they could attend a circus downtown. John forgot to tell his parents where he was going and when he didn't arrive home from school, his mother searched all over the west side for him to no avail. When John finally returned home that evening, his father took the opportunity to impress upon John the importance of being considerate of others and acting responsibly.

Every summer, John hopped on his bicycle and rode to his jobs at area farms. The stock market crash of 1929 had led to steady economic decline in the U.S., and by the time John graduated in 1932, money was tight and jobs were scarce. He remained self-employed throughout that summer, knocking on doors looking for yard work, and even taking a house-cleaning job with an area family. When that summer was over, John enrolled at Davis Tech and took some business classes, returning to lawn care the next summer.

Through family connections, John was able to get a job at the John K. Burch Company, an upholstery and fabric business. Business slowed down to the point where John was laid off, but every week he went back and asked for work. His persistence paid off, and when the company was able to hire again they brought him back, impressed with his honesty and strong work ethic. He worked in the shipping department and later the sample department where he eventually became supervisor. He stayed for over forty-three years.

At Seventh Reformed, a young lady named Edna Van Zweden caught John's fancy and she agreed to let him court her. Edna worked for a family cleaning house and taking care of their children, so much of John's time with her was spent watching the kids and listening to the radio at their home. When he couldn't be with her, he showed his affection in other ways, such as the special delivery of Valentine's Day candy he had sent to her home one year. They were married on October 7, 1937.

The Hoddes' first house was on the corner of Richmond and Jeanette. They then moved to the north end of Grand Rapids, living on Foster Street, then Belknap Street. John and Edna were privileged to have a daughter, Janice, and John adored his baby girl. As she grew, he supported her in her endeavors and was proud of her accomplishments. He and Edna wanted Janice to have the same foundation of faith that they had and made sure she attended children's classes and youth activities at the church. The family enjoyed traveling together and made trips to the Wisconsin Dells, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the western part of the United States.

John had always lived out his faith in his home first, particularly in the way he cared for the women in his life. He cherished his wife and daughter, but also welcomed his mother into their home. She lived with the family for twenty years and they all developed a wonderful relationship with her. He showed his servant's attitude at Seventh Reformed, as well, serving as a deacon and an elder. When Janice was grown and married, John received her husband as his own son, and when grandchildren were added to the family, John embraced them, as well, loving them unconditionally.

After John's retirement, he and Edna moved first to Bona Vista Condominiums and later to Sunset Manor in Jenison. They enjoyed traveling, and were able to take a trip throughout Europe and later to Spain. They also made wonderful memories on a Caribbean cruise. They enjoyed being with people and spent time socializing with relatives and friends. They were always eager to baby-sit after Janice went to work and John cherished every moment with his precious grandchildren. It became tradition for John and Edna to spend their Saturday evenings eating out at Russ' and other local restaurants.

John was crushed when Edna passed away in 1986. He took comfort in his loved ones, and even toward the end of his life when he was admitted into the Christian Rest Home, he always asked about his grandchildren and great grandchildren, despite his increasing difficulty communicating. John leaves his family with the example of a man of strong faith who was a kind and gentle husband and father. He made sure that his family knew how much they meant to him and he did his best to enjoy each and every day the Lord gave him.

John passed away on Monday, March 6, 2006. His wife, Edna, preceded him in death. Surviving are his children, Jan and Leon Branderhorst; his grandchildren, Susan and Brad Vanden Berge and Steven and Jill Branderhorst; his great grandchildren, Lexi, Abbie, Andre, and Jared; his sister-in-law, Eleanor Doorn; and his nieces and nephews.

John reposes at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van't Hof Chapel, where relatives and friends may meet his family Wednesday, March 8, from 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 9, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel, with Rev. William Fennema of Seventh Reformed Church officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to the Christian Rest Home Foundation.