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John Walter Lekkerkerker
November 10, 1950 - July 6, 2016
Monmouth - John Walter Lekkerkerker, "Big John", was called to his Eternal home following an accident on his farm on July 6, 2016. He was 65 years old.
He was the 2nd son born to Walt and Nellie Lekkerkerker on November 10, 1950 in Pasadena, CA.
John is survived by his high school "sweet heart" and wife "Glor", 5 sons, 4 daughters-in-law, 7 grandchildren, 2 sisters, 1 sister-in-law and their families. Sons: Jeff(Cheryl) Morgan, Brayden & Reagan; Jason(Ceci) Lindsey & Logan; Josh(Katie) Sammy & Julia; John "son"; Jordon(Ashley). Sisters: Edie Perna(Vince) and family, Cindy Kamper(Craig) and family. Sister-in-law, Patti(Bill) and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Nellie, and older brother Bill.
John and Gloria were married in Paramount, CA in 1972. They took the opportunity to find a better life for their family, and moved with baby Jeff to Enumclaw, WA in 1977, where they soon started their own dairy. John and Gloria lived in Enumclaw where they had 4 more sons, until 1990, when they moved as a family of 7 to their present family farm in Monmouth.
Big John took care of his family above all else and never gave up, no matter what the circumstance- whether it was farming through low milk prices or tightening a screw until it broke. Big John taught his 5 sons the value of hard, honest work by example as they grew up working on the dairy. He worked hard every day of his life and had a natural talent of caring for his cows, not just for production- but for his genuine love of animals. As Big John liked to say, his girls were outstanding in their field. He lived his life the way that he wanted others to, with honesty and integrity and humor. His word was gold and his handshake was as good as a signed contract.
Big John loved his family, and showed his affection by teasing and joking with us. We will miss the teasing the most…and the chuckle. Grandpa/Papa delighted in his grandchildren and made family time a priority. He enjoyed watching his boys play sports and then, as they grew up, watching sports with his boys. Everyone who came out to the farm for one reason or another remembers spending time "b-s'ing" with Big John. He truly made a lasting positive impact on many, and will be missed by all.
'Till we meet again at Heaven's Gate.
A celebration of life will be held at the Lekkerkerker Dairy in Monmouth on Saturday, July 16 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in loving memory of John Lekkerkerker to Infusion Church, Attn: Scott DeLeeuw, 7707 W. Felicita Ave., Escondido, CA 92025; Santiam Christian Schools, 7220 N.E. Arnold Ave., Adair Village, OR 97330; or Mario Pastega House, 3505 N.W. Samaritan Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Farnstrom Mortuary - Independence.
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Farnstrom Mortuary - Independence410 Monmouth St, Independence, OR 97351
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