John Stutterheim Obituary

John Stutterheim
June 14, 1928 - February 10, 2021
Lake Bay, Washington - On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, Dr. John K.A. Stutterheim, husband, father of five, grandfather of six and great-grandfather of one, passed away of the age of 92. Dr. Stutterheim was born on June 14, 1928, in Surabaya, Indonesia. He resided in the Netherlands before moving to the U.S. in 1959. Dr. Stutterheim had a career as a Physician for close to four decades. He lived a very challenging life but found a way to enlighten and educate others by speaking to groups to share his story. Some of his struggles are documented in a book he had published "The Diary of Prisoner 17326: A Boy's Life in a Japanese Labor Camp". He is preceded in death by his first wife, Loekie, his son Mark and daughter Linda. He is survived by his wife Arlene, and three of his daughters, Helen, Evelyn and Michelle. There are no funeral or memorial services planned. The family has set up a memorial Facebook page where thoughts and remembrances can be posted.

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Published by & & from Apr. 11 to Apr. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Stutterheim

8 Entries

Laatansa

April 13, 2025

I haven't met him, don't know him personally, but I read his book. I now live in a place very close to where he was interneered with his mother and his brother, Anton, in Lampersari. From one page to another I had chill just from knowing that my current home is the one he had struggled throughout his teens. My condolences to every family of Japanese camp prisoners and especially towards Stutterheim's. I'll make sure to share the story with my countrymen as they know very little about the prisoners' struggles.

Wytske

April 5, 2025

My father was in the same camp as mr Stutterheim.
I simply could hardly believe what he has been trough trading his book . My father was a few years younger but never told us such stories . I would love to be able to contact me Stutterheims family to hear about his life and want to say that the poem written by John Stutterheim's son has been very touching to read and I lerl it dear because I understand it very well !!

Wiep

April 14, 2024

Thank you for letting me read your book about your stay in Lampersari and Bangkong kamp. My father has te same history and I understand his past and person better after reading your book . You have written it very well and I admire the subtle memory's you remembered and past on to others . Rest well dear sir.

Wilma

July 19, 2021

I never met Dr. Stutterheim but I am so grateful to him for writing about his experiences in a Japanese internment camp in Indonesia. My deceased father had a similar camp experience in Java from the ages of 11 to 14. He never talked about it but suffered the effects his whole life. Dr. Stutterheim´s book gave me a glimpse into what my dad suffered. I am so grateful to finally know. May Dr. Stutterheim Rest In Peace.

Steven Kramer

June 5, 2021

After reading his amazing book I realized he is an exceptional person. He survived an indescribable life as a prisoner and went on help others thoughtful life. I wish I could have met him.

Diana Christensen

April 13, 2021

I went to school with Helen and remember many weekends at the beach and the yellow A-frame. Many meals were eaten on the deck looking at the water. I remember the train room in the basement and thought it was so magical every time I caught a peek. I now have my dad's train set and think of Dr. Stutterheim every time I see mine. Mostly I remember this man as the father in the family of seven. Although I was closest to Helen, the house was always full, there was seldom a time when the house was not. Thank you to Dr. Stutterheim and the family for being such a wonderful part of my childhood!

Randy Wold

April 12, 2021

Dr. John was my family physician for many many years until he retired. He used to tell me some of his experiences as a young lad in Java as a prisoner. I've read his book and am so glad he put his experiences into print. He was an outstanding person to know.

Lupe Torres

April 11, 2021

Mrs. Arlene Stutterheim and Family,

Sometimes feelings go too deep for words, and this is one of those times. I can only hope you know how sorry I am for the lost of your husband, father and grandfather, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Dr. Stutterheim was my first Primary Care doctor when I moved to Washington State in late 1977. I’ll always remember my health care visits with Doctor and when we talked about our favorite hobby, gardening. Doctor Stutterheim would tell me to grow “Purple Beans” as they were healthier for me than “Green Beans”. So, this year when I plant my veggie garden, I’ll think of Dr. Stutterheim and plant his favorite “Purple Beans” in his memory. He loved his work as a Doctor and cared for all his patience’s, and wanted us all to stay healthy be happy! I’ll forever remember his words.

I will keep your family in my prayers.

May God Bless and be with your family always!
Lupe Torres

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