John Cornelius Westerhuis

John Cornelius Westerhuis, age 88, went to be with his Lord Thursday, November 16, 2023. John was preceded in death by his daughter, Marguerite Westerhuis; parents Henry and Marguerite Westerhuis; siblings Lynne Rozema and Jean Stager. He will be remembered by his wife, Kathryn Westerhuis; children Scott Westerhuis, Jeffrey Westerhuis, Shirley Westerhuis, Henry Westerhuis, and Kaylene Westerhuis; grandchildren Jayson Westerhuis, Jenni Westerhuis, Cody Westerhuis, Dawlton Westerhuis, and Delaney Scouller; siblings Jim Westerhuis, Warren Westerhuis, and Howard Swart; in-laws Dick Stager, Ron Rozema, Steve Van Harn, (Bill) Barb Venema, and Joy (Jerry) Brower; two great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Eager to do his part, John enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 before completing high school. After returning from service, he was a dedicated family man and friend who enjoyed many hobbies and artistic pursuits such as hunting, boating, fishing, photography, wood-burning, clock-making and collecting, chainsaw-carving, and his absolutely beautiful work with stained glass. In the 1950s, John joined a yearly deer camp with his friends in northern Michigan that has remained the treasured family hunting grounds since 1967. He was an unapologetic patriot who was known to stop at any local business, without hesitation, to reprimand them for not properly flying their American flags. He also never missed an opportunity to flirt with a pretty girl, give unsolicited advice, or offer one of the peppermints or Werther's candies he always had in his pockets.

A celebration of John’s life will commence 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2023, with a visitation with the family one hour prior, at Rosewood Church, 2795 Rosewood St., Jenison, MI 49428. There will also be a visitation with the family from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, November 26, also at Rosewood Church. Pastors Howard Moths and Austin Vondracek will be officiating. In honor of John and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or the Georgetown Senior Center (GT Connections). The family welcomes memories and messages www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guest book online.