John Van Neuren

John C. Van Neuren was a man who lived life fully, knowing that it is a gift to be shared with a beloved family and cherished friends.

John was born at a time when America was recovering from the First World War and enjoying industrial prosperity. Charles Lindbergh made his historic transatlantic flight and the right to vote in a national election was granted to women. Harlem, New York was the creative center for jazz, literature, and art. If the Van Neuren family wasn't paying much attention, it was because they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their seventh child. John C. was born to Cornelius and Helen Flietstra Van Neuren on Wednesday, February 21, 1923 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. John received the attention of his older siblings Alice, Pearl, Clare (only brother), Jane, Gussie, and Helen. The family lived on Courtney Street on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, where John attended Harrison Park Elementary School and Union High School. John's father was a school teacher and good provider for his large family. Sadly, he passed away from tuberculosis when John was just four years old. Prior to his father's death, the home loan had been paid off. So with little debt and the help of his working brothers and sisters, John's family was able to maintain a reasonable lifestyle despite their hardship. The bond of family gave them comfort and strength.

During his years of schooling, John dutifully attended class but was not particularly involved in other activities. Life changed at age 15 when his mother married the Reverend (Pa) Voortman, and they moved to Iowa. There, John worked on a farm until age 17 when he moved back to Grand Rapids to live with his sister Helen. At age 18, John enlisted in the Navy and served his country for four years during WWII. He was stationed in the South Pacific in a Combat Aircraft Service Unit, servicing naval aircraft as a mechanic. During this time, the family remained very close, and his siblings wrote letters to him. Then in the mid 50's, the family began what they called "the coffee party". Each Wednesday, they gathered for coffee and goodies, conversation and catching up. Years later, the coffee party was switched to Sundays, but the gathering continues to this day.

In the fall of 1949, John met a lovely young woman named Joyce. Her cousin Jack was credited with making the introduction that began John and Joyce's dating relationship. They fell in love and were married a year later at Hope Reformed Church on Wednesday, September 21, 1950. (Wednesdays seemed to be John's day!) The happy couple spent their honeymoon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It wouldn't be the last time John and Joyce enjoyed the wonderland of Michigan's lakes and forests.

In his career life, John worked many years as a car salesman for Bill Pastoor Motor Sales. Then in 1971, he changed venues and went to work for West Michigan Nail & Wire, selling a new tool to the building industry: the nail gun. The success of that tool was good business for John, and he stayed with West Michigan Nail & Wire until his retirement in 1984. John was a valued employee who was called upon to mentor younger men coming to work at the company. One young man in particular, Rick Berthiaume, learned a great deal from John and remained a close friend for life. John made many friends among his co-workers.

With his sales job, John was on the road all week. On weekends he golfed, fussed with cars, and tinkered with wood, yet he looked forward to a place where Joyce and he could relax. They had a trailer at Big Bend Park and spent many memorable weekends there with their family.

John and Joyce raised four wonderful children: John was born in 1951, Ellen in 1953, Janice in 1955, and Dan in 1960. John was a good father, stern with his instruction but long on forgiveness. He felt it was important to teach and encourage his children to enjoy life and all that it had to offer. John certainly did. He loved to sing hymns with his family around the piano. He also had a great time singing with the King's Choraliers. But John also experienced a dark time in his life when alcohol controlled him. Ultimately, that was not how John wanted to live. One day he decided to stop drinking and joined Alcoholics Anonymous. The support of that group of people changed his life. Knowing what alcohol can do to a person's life and knowing what freedom from addiction felt like, John worked hard to assist others in overcoming this disease. Over the years, John helped change many lives, and he never had another alcoholic drink in his life.

By the time John retired, he was ready to hit the road again. John and Joyce loved to travel in their motor home to the warmth of Florida and, especially, to visit their children and grandchildren in Colorado and Minnesota. John dearly loved his grandchildren, and he spent a lot of time with them. It was his joy and gift to nurture young minds and hearts.

In later years, John became content to stay at home, play more golf and putter around in the yard or in his wood shop making signs. He enjoyed the simple fare of navy beans with bacon grease and ketchup, or meat and potatoes, or a good ol' casserole. He might even fire up the grill to cook hamburgers. John lived a good life. He remained grateful to the wonderful program of AA for allowing him to enjoy the happiest years of his life.

John C. Van Neuren, age 83 of Belmont, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2006, and arrived at a place that he truly believed was prepared for him. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Joyce (Mellema); his children John and Kimberly Van Neuren of Minnesota, Ellen Gaugler, Janice and Bob Elshof, both of Colorado, Dan and Cheryl Van Neuren of Grand Rapids; also surviving are 13 grandchildren; sisters Alice Poulisse, Helen Warners; brothers and sisters-in-law, Evert and Shirley Mellema, Helen Mellema, Chester and Jane Mellema; step-brothers Rev. Syburn and Martina Voortman, John and Betty Vortman; step-sisters Dorothy Eisinga, Grada and Clarence Rietema, Evelyn and Auke Douma and a host of nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate John's life will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at Fourth Reformed Church, 1226 Union NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Friends and relatives may meet with his family on Wednesday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes-Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can read John's life story or leave a memory of him. Contributions to the Kent County Central Office of AA, 1404 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 would be appreciated.