JOHANNES DE JONG Obituary

Johannes (Joe) Carolus De Jong Sunrise: April 6, 1920 Sunset: Sept. 4, 2010 He was born April 6, 1920, to Willem and Maria De Jong in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. As a young man, Joe served his country during World War II with the Dutch Marines. After the war ended in Europe, he volunteered to fight in the war against Japan. He trained at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. When Japan surrendered, he was sent to fight in the war between Holland and Indonesia, where he served as a Master Sergeant and Medical Corpsman for three years.Joe married the love of his life, Johanna Roodhof, in Holland, November 17, 1951. In 1957, he brought his young family to the United States to build a better life for them. He did this by learning English, becoming a successful salesman, and buying his own home --- the Great American Dream. Though proud to be a Dutchman, Joe was equally proud when he became an American citizen. Joe enjoyed beautifying his house and yard with home improvement projects, working in his garden, and he especially enjoyed entertaining his family and many friends. Joe LOVED a good party! He also loved being a greeter and usher for many years at St. Ann's Parish. Above all, Joe loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Johanna; his sons Bill (Leona), John (Janet), and Jeff; his daughter Frances (Blake); nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. The family extends special thanks to Summit House Hospice for all their care and support during Joe's final days. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South. A Vigil service will be held Wednesday 6:00 p.m. where friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. also at the church. Private family committal. Directors Neil O'Donnell & Sons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to Summit House Hospice, St. Ann's Catholic School, or to a charity of your choice. Joe --- Dad --- Opa you will be missed. With all our love, until we meet again . . .

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Sep. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHANNES DE JONG

11 Entries

Angela Martinez

September 26, 2010

Bill, Leona and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how hard it is. My prayers are with you. God bless you.

Brent Marrott

September 17, 2010

Dear Johanna and family,

I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed my time with Joe on my hospice visits. I am glad Joe is free now.

With love and respect,

Brent V. Marrott

Orvis &^ Barbara Allred

September 11, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

September 8, 2010

Having just lost my father, I know the deep sadness your hearts feel, especially for one who lived such a beautiful life. May God hold you close. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Donna

September 8, 2010

Dear Bill, Leona and girls,
Our prayers are with you in the passing of Bill's father. It is always difficult to let go of a loved one even when it is time. He sounds like he was a man strong in his faith so he must have been prepared as one can be to leave this life on earth. We know he will be kept alive in your memories of him.
Thinking of you,
Lenore, Ron, Elyse and boys

Enjoying Backyard with Family and Friends ('66)

Eric Schreiner

September 8, 2010

Tante Johanna, Francis, Jeff and John, your father will be dearly missed by our family. He was indeed a wonderful man and a favorite "uncle" to the Schreiner boys. The memories are strong and wonderful and I wish each of you peace in knowing that he has passed on to an even better life with his Lord. May God bless all of us that were blessed knowing Joe.

September 7, 2010

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

Larry @ Shirley Nak

September 7, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

September 7, 2010

Dear Francis, I am so sorry for your loss. You don't know how lucky you are to have a father that loved his family more than anything. To have that kind of support is the greatest gift a parent can give to their children. Your father will live on because of his love and devotion to you, your brothers and the love of his life, your mother. My heart felt thoughts go out to you and yours. Marshelle Spafard

Steve / Karen Farrington

September 7, 2010

Johanna and kids,

We will all miss Joe very much. He has been a part of my life since as long as I can remember. You are a wonderful family and we love you guys.

Always yell at us over the fence.

Love,

Steve and Karen Farrington

Lisa Kelly Bouillon

September 7, 2010

Dear DeJong Family,

What a great man Joe was. Hold tight all of those special memories you have and the many laughs you have shared over the years. These times will keep you going. Please know you are in our prayers during this difficult time. May God watch over you and may family and friends help comfort you.

God Bless
Rick & Lisa Bouillon

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