John Voshol

The life of John Voshol provides us with a clear reflection of what it means to be the hands and feet of God. His life was built upon his solid foundation of faith, and it was this same faith that guided his every step. John was blessed to share his life with his true love with whom he established the family he viewed as a priceless treasure. With his true servant’s heart John touched the lives of countless others in a significant way. Although his loved ones will miss him dearly, they find comfort in knowing that John is enjoying perfect peace in his eternal home.

As part of the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties, the year 1928 was filled with several noteworthy events. This was the year the world was introduced to Mickey Mouse, Amelia Earhart flew across the Atlantic, and a deadly hurricane hit Florida. This year was one of great celebration for one family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on June 1st. John was welcomed into the world by his parents, Johannes and Catharina (Feijtel) Voshol, and was the youngest of five children in his family. He often went by John Jr. and was raised in the family home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids. Like young boys often do, John and his brother got themselves into a bit of innocent mischief from time to time and as the youngest child in the family, he was never really lacking for attention.

In many ways, John enjoyed a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. It was during his formative years that John learned to embrace the Christian faith. He and his family were members of Fourth Reformed Church. He attended local schools and had a paper route as well. Of great significance during this time was his introduction to a certain young woman who caught his attention. Her name was Ruth Yokom and they were classmates at school, but it was through youth activities at Bethel Reformed Church that they really connected. After falling in love, the couple was married on October 21, 1949, at Bethel Reformed, which would be their church home for many years.

As a young newlywed, John enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean Conflict. When he was stationed in New Jersey, he served as an assistant to legendary baseball player, Don Newcombe. While many of his basic training friends were sent to Korea, John was sent to be a medical company clerk in Austria because he had some clerical skills. Ruth was able to join him there for seven months during which time they travelled to Paris and the Netherlands where John was able to meet his grandmother for the first and only time. He enjoyed his time in the service, but always felt as though he never truly served in quite the same way that his friends who saw active duty did. In later years, John enjoyed gathering with his old Army comrades.

When his duty to his country was fulfilled, John returned to Grand Rapids where they built a home on Comstock Boulevard. This would be the place they would call home for more than 50 years, and also where they raised their five children: Gary, Eric, Ryan, Janilyn, and Kimberly. The Voshol family enjoyed spending time together and while the children were younger, they liked taking vacations to Silver Lake. There were also trips to some paper mills in Pennsylvania and Montreal, as well as trips to Florida and Ruth’s favorite vacation spot – the Mackinac Straits.

In order to support his family, John worked as a salesman for Carpenter Paper Company. He implemented the use of one of the first IBM computers in the area before returning back to the sales division where he began the educational and institutional division. By this time, Ruth was often able to travel with John on sales calls or on special deliveries. He enjoyed his work in sales as relating with people came naturally to him.

Faith was an important part of John’s life and in the life of their family. They were members of Bethel Reformed where John regularly served on consistory. Much of their social life revolved around church activities, and they faithfully supported missionaries both financially and with prayer. John regularly read Bible stories to the children when they were younger and then around the dinner table when the children were older. John never shied away from sharing his faith with others whenever the opportunity arose, and he often spoke at churches, too. He was also active in the neighborhood outreach and served on the board of the Christian Rest Home. Since John loved to sing, he regularly provided special music to area churches during their evening services.

Throughout his life, John was always one to keep busy. He was a Golden Kiwanis member and was an honorary lifetime member of the Optimist Club. John helped start the West Michigan chapter of the Brain Injury Alliance and as an avid golfer, he belonged to several different courses. His vegetable gardens kept him busy, and John also had several birdfeeders and liked trapping squirrels that he released on the other side of the river. Once grandchildren arrived, spending time with them quickly became a favorite activity, and he never hesitated to take them in his lap and care for them. John’s retirement years left him with more time to travel and devote to his volunteer work.

For sixty years, John and Ruth enjoyed a fulfilling marriage. When her health declined, John cared for her until her death just two days after they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He remained in their home for a short time, but later moved to the Christian Rest Home and then finally, with his son. John remained busy playing Rook, doing Sudoko puzzles, and enjoying Sunday dinners with his son, Eric.

In everything he did, John Voshol brought such life and love to the world around him. He never focused his attention on gaining wealth according to the world’s measure, but taught us that it is through giving to others that we are truly blessed.

John Voshol died on May 3, 2011. John’s family includes his children, Gary (Twylia) Voshol, Eric Voshol, Ryan (Angie) Voshol, Janilyn (George) Cullins, Kimberly Voshol; his grandchildren, Danielle, David, Joel and Brittany Voshol, Zachary Cullins; sisters and brother-in-law Ann DeRuiter and Bertie (Marv) VanderVelde; as well as nieces, nephews and many friends. John was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and by sister Nellie (Wallace) Geelhoed and brother Herb (Fran) Voshol. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at 12:00 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, with Thurman Rynbrandt officiating. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service begins at noon. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Military Rites under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Contributions in his memory may be made to either the Christian Rest Home or to Orchard Hill Church Missionary Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or to sign the guest book.