John Hettinga

1932 - 2023

John Hettinga
November 30, 1932 - July 25, 2023
Modesto, California - John (Jans) Martinus Ayolt Hettinga was born in Hasselt, Netherlands November 30, 1932 to Reverend Jochem and Willemina Hettinga. He was the youngest of 6 children. He lived through WWII and by the age of 12 (1944) he was being raised by his oldest sister, Betty. His parents were a part of the resistance and were imprisoned for three years. At the age of 17 John immigrated to Canada and became a lineman after living some time with his oldest brother Len. He enjoyed being independent and being on his own working hard to build a life for himself.
After a few years he quit his job because he wanted to find a wife and moved to California. He married Theresa (Trientje) Prins September 25, 1959. During this time he was also working with PG&E and Modesto Irrigation. He also bought land for almond growing. In his spare time he enjoyed flying small planes. He also became Naturalized to the United States. By the time he was 30 years old he had his first son Walter (born 10/3/1962) by adoption. Following Walter, John and Theresa adopted two more children; Harry (born 7/27/1964) and Tena (born 8/2/1966). They also had two children by birth Wilma (1/12/1968) and Joel (4/13/1971). John and Theresa taught their children the importance of God, the church, and having strong work ethics by helping John on the farm including goats, chinchillas, rabbits and more.
Over the years John also felt it important to support missions; by installing electrical infrastructure, printing tracts, giving financial gifts, and bringing bibles to China. During one these trips in particular is when he became a widower. On December 1, 1993 Theresa was killed in a plane accident traveling to see family.
In his later years he ran and was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for MID. He was also a proud member of Blue Diamond Growers Association. In his spare time he enjoyed traveling the world. After he retired he remained active and interfacing with the community driving a tour bus until he was in his 80's. He has always been healthy walking a few miles a day and enjoying a coffee or a meal with friends regularly. It has only been the last few years he has slowed down. On March 22nd, 2023 he had a stroke that caused him to move to rehab then Bethany House in Ripon. July 25th, 2023 he passed away due to a second stroke. He is preceded in death by his wife, Theresa (1993), grandson, Dustin Barbour (6/21/2005), his parents and all five siblings. He is survived by his Children Walter (Donna); Harry; Tena Barbour (Tom) and grandkids Jessica and Melissa (with 4 great grandchildren); Wilma and grandkids Jack, Max, Theresa, and Luke; Finally Joel (Melisa) and five grandkids Emma, Nolan, Mason, Brandon, and Aubree.
In lieu of flowers as an expression of sympathy please consider making a donation to Modesto Gospel Mission at 1400 Yosemite Blvd Modesto, CA 95354
A visitation for John Hettinga will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home on August 11th from 4pm to 8pm in the Riverside Chapel. A graveside service for John Hettinga will be held on August 12th at 10:00am. After the graveside service, at 12:00pm, there will be a Celebration of Life service held at Modesto Christian Reformed Church at 2620 College Ave, Modesto CA 95350 with a luncheon to follow. The family welcomes everyone to join them for services.