John von Hollen, 88, passed away April 24, 2022, at his home in Rochester Hills, Michigan surrounded by family. His battle with a serious medical issue in the recent year showed his courage and strength in facing life’s challenges with a smile.
Born and raised in a small farming community, Wulmstorf, Germany that he loved so much, he worked there as a mechanic for several years and then immigrated to the United States. A proud man who served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, a true love story began with meeting his beautiful wife of nearly 60 years, Rosewiecke, as a pen pal through an ad in a German newspaper. Over 400 letters later between the two, they met and were later married in Germany. After their honeymoon in Germany, they traveled across the ocean ship “Bremen” to the US to begin their life together. Continuing their love story life together, they had 3 children and 3 lovely grandchildren that he was extremely proud of. He most enjoyed time spent with family and friends and traveled often to visit family in Germany and other places around the world. John served as the president of Schuetzen Park in New Jersey where he and Rosi often danced the night away. John began his career with Volkswagen of America where he worked for over 30 years. He lived in New Jersey for over 20 years and then moved to Michigan in 1983 for work, where he quickly became a proud Michigander. John always had a passion for ancestry and his hobby continued to grow after his retirement; he was able to trace his family tree back to the early 1600s. It was simple pleasures that made him happy, he enjoyed spending time with Rosi and eating her delicious food, spending time with his family and friends, listening/watching classical music, playing cards, attending St. John Lutheran Rochester Church service and gardening in his yard.
John is survived by his wife, Rosi; son Dirk (Robin); son Norman; daughter Melissa (Ron); Grandchildren; Kyle, Rachel, and Erik; Brother, Kurt and Sisters, Doris and Hilde and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. (in state 10 a.m.) at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 1011 West University Drive in Rochester, Michigan. Burial will follow at Van Hoosen Jones Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Rochester, MI. Funeral arrangements through Pixley Funeral Home and flowers may be sent to Pixley Funeral Home.
