John Vis

John Vis was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. A caring nurturer, he cherished his years as a father and was delighted with the arrival of his grandchildren. John was accepting of all people. Listening and offering his wisdom were his greatest gifts. John’s warm personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The year 1930 was significantly impacted by the effects of the Great Depression. Banks were still closed, but there was a promise of a new election year awaiting. William and Hattie (Vermeer) Vis, both immigrants from the Netherlands, welcomed home their newborn son, John, on May 26th in Hull, Iowa. Born the tenth child in a family of twelve, his birth brought much joy to the family during tough economic times.

The family learned the value of hard work and pitching in around the family home from their parents. Their father was a farmer, and their mother was a wonderful homemaker. Managing a large, growing family and a farm took a toll on them from time to time, but their steadfast love never wavered. John poured himself into his academics and was a proud graduate of Western Christian High School. After graduation, he pursued higher education at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, where he earned a teaching certificate. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his Master’s degree in Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of his sweetheart, Bertha Visser. The two of them hit it off at a Protestant Reformed Youth Convention in August of 1949 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Sharing many commonalities, they dated for two years before marrying in Manhattan, Montana, on August 8, 1951. The newlyweds settled in Edgerton, Minnesota, where he taught school until 1955. They later relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, which became their forever home. Together, they raised four wonderful children: William, Marge, Brenda, and David.

A strong provider, John worked a remarkable thirty-two years for the Kent County Juvenile Court System until he retired in 1987. His hard work afforded the family many trips to Iowa and Montana to visit his parents. They also took several camping trips across the United States. John enjoyed spending time with his family and wanted nothing more than to share in their many successes over the years. He and Bertha raised their family with a strong foundation of faith and were active members of West Leonard Reformed Church. John enjoyed the sacred Christian music as well as his work as a Cadet leader and youth group leader. He gave much of his time to his church without regret. Helping and supporting others filled his heart with great joy. His children never doubted his love for them, and his fellow church members could always count on him in a time of need. Retirement afforded John the time to volunteer. He enjoyed many years serving his community as a World Renew Disaster Services volunteer and a Christian family services volunteer. He and Bertha traveled to 19 different communities to support them after natural disasters. They also enjoyed their time working together at the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds. The two of them brought so much light to others. They modeled a wonderful marriage and shared their Christian values with countless people over their years of faithful service.

When it came time for relaxation, John held a vast array of special interests. He loved to garden, drawing on his years working on the family farm as a youngster. He also enjoyed woodworking, bird watching, and traveling. He could fix nearly anything from small engine repairs, home projects, and appliances to dead birds! (according to his granddaughter) He loved to help his grandkids over the years with home projects and was always willing to share some of his tips and tricks. When it came to reading, John loved his Bible and any works from Jacob Eppinga and Sietze Buning. A favorite trip was on a Danube River Cruise, and when he visited Israel. John enjoyed the simple pleasures in life.

Described as a wise, patient, and loving person, he will be deeply missed. He wanted nothing more than for people to care for each other. A special person to know and love, there is no doubt that his constant love and guidance will be missed in the years to come.

John W. Vis, age 95, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 1, 2026, while in the company of his family. John was the last of his eleven siblings. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 68 years, Bertha Ann (Visser), as well as by his son-in-law, Larry Kelderman. He is survived by his children, Bill (Sandy) Vis, Marge (Doug) DeBoer, Brenda (John) Jaszczyszyn, and David (Amy) Vis; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, as well as by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

John’s funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church (1053 Leonard St. NW., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504). Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 PM on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home (2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504). Contributions in his memory may be made to Mississippi Christian Family Services or to Edison Christian Foundation.