The long walk of John's earthly life is complete. The farm, home, yard, and golf course all laid the path for John. He traveled them well and left his mark.

John was born in Holland and moved to America in 1960. While America became his home, those who knew him well understood how important his native Holland was to him. His heart was in both countries. There were so many trips to Holland to visit family. Those who knew John well know that despite his love for South Bend, John believed that most things were actually better in Holland - better food, better beer, better workers, better everything! And, of course, Carnival, there were always so many stories.

Even though John loved Holland, he did make South Bend his home. It was in South Bend that John pursued his American dream. That dream started when he and June moved here followed by the birth of Maureen, then Bryan, Monica and Kevin. And it was here, with June's brothers that John went into business at Veldman's Service Center. It was here that in 1969 John started his won business, WISSCO Irrigation. And lastly, it was here when John invited Tom into their home as one of their own.

John always worked hard and met life's challenges and opportunities head on. Weekends were often spent playing cards and visiting with June's relatives. John embraced the Veldman family as his own and they embraced him.

What he learned on the farm as a young man, he used in his business at WISSCO. Years of hard work gave John the opportunity to relax in retirement. And after June's untimely death, he met Dolores. His days were filled with gardening, golfing, traveling to Florida with Dolores, playing cards and socializing with friends from Little Flower. It was wonderful to watch John and Dolores enjoying their lives together.

John was a strong man. Well into his sixties he could out lift, out dig, and out work men half his age. Even though he was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, he remained vibrant and strong as an ox until very recently. He endured his cancer treatments relatively unfazed and without any complaints.

John was strong in other ways too. You might say he was the strong silent type. He was a man of few words, but that did not mean he did not have anything to say. He had opinions, but he did not feel the need to be opinionated. He was intelligent and worldly but wasted little time convincing people of that fact.

At the end, John was surrounded by family and friends. This is his true legacy. Now, we the children, who have always been there, remain to carry on his memory through our children, Opa'a 15 grandchildren.

As we carry on now without John, we can remember him and the life he led. There is much to be learned from John, how to work, how to love and how to live.

Finally, Dolores, we thank you for the wonderful care and love you gave Dad, especially as things became so difficult this last week. And to "the Dutchies", Ome Jacques, Gerrie, Tante Truus, and Tante Lies, Dank je, Dank je, Dank je.

For now, until we see him again, we say so long Dad, John, Opa, Uncle John, Ome Jan. We love you, wir lieben dich, Tot ziens.