Obituaries

John H. Van Den Bosch, a man of compassion and integrity celebrated life from November 11, 1916 to May 23, 2019. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Jacob T. and Minnie (Van Nuil) Van Den Bosch. John graduated from Godwin Heights High School in Grand Rapids and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the ETO Theater and as an Aircraft Engineering Officer.

During the war, John married the former Clara J. Nanninga in 1941. They were a shining example of a loving and devoted couple during their entire 67 years of marriage. John was a lifelong student. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he moved to Midland, Michigan. His interest in real estate led to the completion of several real estate certificates at the University of Michigan post-graduation. He then completed his MBA while working at Dow Corning. John worked for the Dow Corning Corporation where he enjoyed more than 30 years as Purchasing Agent until retirement in December 1981.

John was a strong supporter of the Midland community. He mentored numerous young people with the Junior Achievement organization. He also enjoyed many of the Dow Corning retiree’s activities, especially golf. John had weekly golf outings with good friends which became a lifelong pleasure. He dedicated his time as a volunteer in the Tax counseling for the Elderly; always updating his skills with current tax laws.

John loved the Lord. He was a 50+ member of the Bertha E. R. Strosacker Memorial Presbyterian Church; joining the church when it was first located at the corner of Larkin and Townsend Streets. John served throughout the years as a Trustee, Deacon, and other various committees.

John enjoyed working with the Midland Exchange Club and was a longstanding member; recognized as the 2005 “Exchangite” of the year and held the proud title “official photographer” for many years. Besides reading, gardening and nature John enjoyed traveling. John and Clara traveled throughout their marriage and stayed in contact with friendships from the 20th Fighter Group; meeting up at their annual reunions in their retirement years.

John and Clara adored their neighbors and many of them were lifelong friends, fellow parishioners and mutual duplicate bridge players whom shared their enthusiasm for life.

John is survived by his children: Richard (Glenda) Van Den Bosch, Carol Van Den Bosch, Cherie (Bob) Trent and John (Brenda) Van Den Bosch and grandchildren, Raymond, Kristine (Chad), Amber (Bryan), Michael (Natalie), Jarred (Mandy), Jacob, Jaden and Jolene and great grandchildren Charlie and Briella, Mallory and Caitlin, Brielle and Connor and Elayna. Also surviving him are nephews, Steve and Robert Gordon and a niece, Catherine Gordon, along with their children.

John H. van Den Bosch was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James L. Van Den Bosch, his adoring wife Clara J. Van Den Bosch and a granddaughter, Tiffany.

John will be remembered lovingly by his family and the people whose lives he touched as a true gentlemen. Most of all, John was an incredibly humble person with a lot of patience and a good sense of humor.

John’s family wants to especially thank the entire staff at the King’s Daughters Home for the love and attention John enjoyed while he lived there.

Contributions in memory of John may be made to the Midland King’s Daughters Home or Memorial Presbyterian Church.

A celebration of his life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019 from Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1310 Ashman Street. His family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors.

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