Johannes "John" Witte

So sad to just find out about John´s passing. We had just rekindled a relationship that was begun at Valleywood Middle School many years ago. He was a friend. PEACE

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

So sorry to hear of the death of John. I have many fond memories of the entire Witte family. Henry was a classmate of mine. Sophie stayed at our house when the family first moved to Grand Rapids. Lynda was a neighbor of mine for many years. My sons were good friends with Lynda's boys. Praying for comfort for all the family members.

Dear Lynda, dear Family, At the moment I write this condoleance my good friend John´s Memorial Service starts at Calvin Memorial Service. I regret not being there but my thoughts are with you all in Michigan from Amsterdam. I am sure John will be cherished and remembered so well. John has remained a wonderful man throughout all the years I had the privilege to know him; I learned a lot from him: his dedication to his work and family, his inquisitive and critical mind, his sincere and ever...

I remember one of your first meals at the parsonage of First CRC in 1956. Your big family and ours was quite a group. You grew up in a wonderful family.

A spot-on obituary accurately, lovingly written that reminds me of the John whom I first met at Calvin CRC and who, shepherding us in the Netherlands on a Calvin Alumni Choir tour, salvaged the situation after I made a serious, foolish mistake. I'll not forget him and his kindness. To family, especially Ina, Henk and Thressa whom I know: I'm so sorry you're having to say farewell for now and hope you live in the knowledge that God has the whole world in his hands -- and John has eternity to...

Back in 1963, Baxter Christian junior high was merged with Oakdale Christian. This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship of six boys; Dave, Bill, Mark, John, Ken and Al. They would often get together to talk about religion, politics, sports and girls. They lockered near each other at Christian High, ate their lunches together, went to basketball games together and often met at Holly´s restaurant for coffee and conversation. After high school they went on many trips together in different...

John was such a good friend, since 2nd grade, to my husband Mark Van Til, who passed away almost 5 yrs ago. John would often come visit on his way back from Indy or Chicago once we moved to Michigan from Denver. There were great times talking over dinner and discussing religion, politics and events of life. Mark and John had a very special relationship. I will miss him, but John and Mark can continue their deep discussions in heaven as the watch over me.

We have rich memories of John going back to our time together on Long Island. New York, and the East Islip CRC. John faithfully kept contact with us through all the subsequent years. He called us only a few weeks ago. In retrospect it was a farewell. He was the essence of a faithful and loyal friend. John also stayed informed about each of our children. He sent a congratulatory note recently to our youngest daughter Natasha on the release of one of her books. Our thoughts and prayers are with...