John DeWinter

John R. DeWinter, age 84, of Hudsonville, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 5, 2013. John was a kind and generous man with a strong faith in his Lord and Savior. He cherished his family and valued the time they spent together. His humor and zest for life created many laughs and memories that will be remembered for a lifetime. John's strong work ethic led him to carry on the family business of DeWinter's Greenhouses from which he retired after 53 years. He also loved woodworking, gardening, and spending time manicuring his yard. John was actively involved in many local organizations, including the Grandville Police Reserves, the Ottawa County Sheriff Reserves, the Georgetown Fire Department, the Georgetown Township Planning Commission, the Georgetown Township Board, the foundation boards for Hudsonville Christian, Jenison Christian, and Unity Christian Schools, and Bedding Plants Incorporated. He was also on the Wycliffe board and volunteered for 30 years with his wife in Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marinus and Lucille DeWinter. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Sylvia DeWinter; children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jackie Timmer and her children, Chad and Jennifer Timmer (Taylor, Alexa), Travis and Jill Timmer (Jaden, Aiva), Seth and Dayna Timmer (Brody); Jody and Ben Andrus and their children, Kimberly and Steve Butz, Kristine and Michael Fink (Hannah, Michael); Jon Michael and Deb DeWinter and their children, Heath and Chelsea DeWinter (Lawson), Kari and Mike Posthumus (Dakotah, Samantha, Ty); Jaime Doornbos and her children, Bryce Doornbos and his friend Laura Pike, Zachary Doornbos, Nickolas and Jen Doornbos, Blake Doornbos; brothers, Marvin and Ruth DeWinter, Donald and Ruth DeWinter; sister, Joan and Robert (deceased) Wieringa; brothers-in-law, Alvin and Leona Huyser, John J. and Mildred (deceased) Huyser; sisters-in-law, Beatrice and Richard Machiela (both deceased), Grethyll and John Heuvelman. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at 12th Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 7441 12th Avenue, Jenison with Rev. Mark Bennink and Rev. James Evenhouse officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Unity Christian School Building Fund, the St. Mary's Kidney Transplant Program, or the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.