John Erkelens

He was a nice guy. He also worked hard. I am his great grandson. He was lucky. He was born in the Netherlands. Moved to the US, and then came my grandma and so on. He learned English when he was little. He was 8 years old when the great depression started. I use to visit his house in the winter every year. It had an indoor pool. Good memories, they were. To be honest, I forgot how he talked, and expected him to have a Dutch accent, but I remembered how he talked. I loved him, and my mom and...

I loved my Uncle John. He always was so happy when I would talk with him. He missed Aunt Evelyn so and was looking forward to the day they would be reunited. They added so much to my life. I know my cousins will missed them so. My prayers and love go out to all the family.

As their neighbors and friends, we were so blessed to know John and Evelyn. John never failed to tell us, "I just love you guys so much." And we always knew he meant it. Wishing your family peace and love during this difficult time. All our love, Teresa Jenkins & Bill Maughan

John gave my son his Patriarchal Blessing. In it were promises and counsel that I didn't understand and couldn't completely relate to my son as I anticipated. The night my son died six years later, we got home at midnight and read this blessings. Suddenly the pronouncements therein took on a completely different meaning that made perfect sense. Since that night, I've read it many times gaining much insight into God's plan for families. I shall forever be grateful to John for...

We love our dear friends, Evelyn and John. They are the salt of the earth. What a blessing to serve with them as church service missionaries...always happy and fun and dedicated. Being in their home was a treat! I can still remember John's joke about the one-armed fisherman who caught a fish "thiiiiiiiiiiis long". Happy reunion. Love from the Folkersens