John Zonneveld

John was born in Vlaardingen, Netherlands on June 29, 1926, to John & Magdalena Zonneveld.

As a young man growing up during the German occupation of Holland, John knew what it meant to be hungry and became very self-reliant. During his time in the Dutch Army in Indonesia, he served as a radio operator. After his 4 years of duty, he had the opportunity to emigrate to America through a sponsorship. Upon arriving in the California Central Valley in Waukena, where his parents had immigrated earlier, John found work picking cotton by hand with very little reward. This motivated him to move to Artesia, CA where milking cows was a better option. While in Artesia, he met Ann Kampen & married on September 18, 1952. With John milking & Ann cleaning houses, they saved enough money to move to Riverdale in 1957 & began renting their first dairy. Eleven years later, a new dairy was built to own in Laton.

John was very involved in DHIA, CMAB, Western United Dairymen. He was an intricate part of the startup of Maranatha homes in Hanford & Sierra Village in Visalia. He made many lifelong friendships in serving.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann of 52 years in 2005, a granddaughter Renee Mauger in 1991 & many family in-laws.

John is survived by his wife Dika of 10 years & her family. His three sons, John & Teri, Frank & Jana, Jack & Gayle. A daughter, Helen & Tris Mauger, 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his only sister Johanna Hakker of Hanford and his close cousin Case & Cobi Zonneveld of Holland, numerous nephews & nieces, brother-in laws & sister-in-Iaws.

The family would like to thank his caregivers, Sarah, Karla, Jackie & Karen & Dr. Beddoe for their help, dedication & love.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Laton @ 10 am on Thursday, September 14, 2017, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11 am at the First Christian Reformed Church, 2175 Leoni Drive, Hanford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Hanford Christian School, 11948 Flint Avenue, Hanford, CA 92330 or Sierra Village, One Molenstraat, Visalia, 93277.