John Henry Grimmius

He immigrated at the age of 10 to the United States from the Netherlands with his family. He grew up in Southern California where he worked with his father in the family dairy business. He attended Dordt College where his leadership skills began to blossom as he was instrumental in starting various clubs on campus. While there, he met Marlys Tebben, and they were married in June of 1959. The couple settled in Artesia, California. In 1964 they moved to Visalia. He continued to buy and sell cattle for the family business and began his real estate career. He later established his own agricultural real estate company, The Ranch Company, which continues as a division of the Pearson Companies. John loved music and started a mail order distribution business in 1971 that specialized in Christian music. He opened a retail store on Main St. known as Inspirational House and sold the business in 1983.

He was very involved in the Visalia community. He was a charter member of Visalia Christian Reformed Church. He served on the Tulare County Planning commission. He was a lifetime member of Rotary International as well as the Tulare County Association of Realtors. He was the visionary behind Sierra Village Retirement Community. He also worked on helping establish Central Valley Christian Schools by helping them secure the campus site. He attended Tulare Community Church for over 30 years, where he served in various capacities. John and Marlys hosted many Bible studies throughout the years in their home, and John always wanted people to hear the gospel.

In 2012, John’s brother, Tom passed away and 2 ½ months later, his wife Marlys went to be with the Lord as well. While grieving the loss of their spouses, John and Vera were brought together. They married in 2013. They spent their time traveling, dining out, and visiting with family and friends. They enjoyed spending time together and having quiet talks about their faith.

John is survived by his loving wife Vera Grimmius. He is also survived by his 3 children, son Henry Grimmius and wife Tami, daughter Jeanie Grimmius-McGuigan, daughter Nancy Grimmius-Ludwig and husband Roy Ludwig, grandchildren Sara Parkinson, Nathan McGuigan, Amanda Grimmius, and Megan Grimmius, 3 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 19 from 3 to 6pm at Miller’s Memorial Chapel at 1120 West Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291.

Celebration of Life Service will be on Monday, June 20 at 11:30am at Tulare Community Church at 1820 North Gem St., Tulare, CA 93274.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following ministries:

Spirit Driven Band (Prison ministry group), 1455 Coelho Avenue, Tulare, California, 93274 www.spiritdrivenband.com;

Samaritan’s Purse (Disaster relief ministry), PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 www.samaritanspurse.org;

Central Valley Christian School Endowment - 5600 West Tulare Ave. Visalia, CA 93277 www.cvc.org.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.