John Henry VanNess II was born on February 26, 1946 to Mildred (Lloyd) and John VanNess of Peoria, IL. He was the first born in his family, followed by his 4 siblings all starting with the letter “J.” John was named after his father who was serving in the war when he was born. His siblings are Jan, Jennifer, Jeff and Joel VanNess (Jayne). He graduated High School in 1964 from Peoria High where he played baseball and football.
Football brought him to Northern Illinois University. He played football for 2 years before he started working for General Electric. John had his first daughter Janice in 1966. John worked his way into a management position at General Electric and while working there met Marcia Goff. They married in 1978 and had a daughter Johnna in 1980.
General Electric moved the family to Holland, MI. John fell in love with their property, the wildlife and their friends and there was no way John was leaving Holland with General Electric. He left GE to work in at Envirotronics where he stayed for the next 25 years. John retired in 2010.
His family was finally complete when he reconnected with his daughter, Janice, her husband Doug and children Jessica and Kyle in 2013. The family was able to be together to celebrate Johnna’s marriage to Travis Staat in 2014. Johnna and Travis welcomed 2 more grandchildren Mia (2015) and Evan (2018). There is nothing he loved more than watching his grandchildren play. Especially, his grandson Kyle play football at University of Indianapolis.
For all that knew him knew he was a man of few words. He welcomed everyone with a hug and a bloodymary or cocktail. His favorite place to be was on the golf course with friends. He was so proud to finally have his Hole in One in 2018. He also enjoyed his annual fishing trips with the guys.
The last 3 months of his life, after his lung cancer diagnosis, was hard on everyone. He was a fighter, or some would say so stubborn and as one of his doctors said, “He has 9 lives.” His last breath was on May, 21, 2022 at 6:11 pm with his daughters by his side. We rest easier knowing that he is no longer in pain and is also resting peacefully with those that left this world before him.
A visitation to share stories and celebrate John's life will be Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 4-7pm at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.
In lieu of flowers please consider giving a memorial contribution on behalf of John to Hospice of Holland, who so tenderly cared for John throughout his journey.
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