John Hettinga, Sr

HETTINGA, John, Sr. Of Las Cruces, NM Formerly of Texas Corners Passed away Sunday morning, July 1, 2007 at his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. John was born December 5, 1920 in Nebraska the son of Martin and Gertrude Hettinga. He spent his early years growing up on a farm in Vicksburg, MI. John was an adventurer and a dreamer. He lived his dreams. At the age of 15, he hitchhiked to Chicago to see the Worlds Fair. After high school he worked his way through college by working at the old Simpson Lee paper mill. He joined the army fought in World War II, both in France and the South Pacific for four years. He was a Captain and Company Commander of an engineering company. Building houses and owning and managing a hardware store in Roswell, NM after the war, one of his baby?s health problems brought him and his young family back to the Kalamazoo area. That was home until the early 1960?s when he built a 32 foot motor home and moved the family to Alaska. Having learned to fly right after the war John spent 9 years in Alaska flying his small float plane, building apartments with his youngest brother, hunting, fishing, and adventuring. Back to Texas Corners, MI for semi-retirement, there he farmed and managed his u-pick fruit farm, still finding time to fly, fish, hunt, and spoil his grandchildren. John finally moved to Las Cruces, NM for full retirement. He enjoyed many years of camping, building his experimental airplane and visiting with his many friends and family until his passing. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Hettinga; and his second wife, Peggy Glaken. Surviving are 4 children, John M. Hettinga, Richard M. Hettinga, Jean M.A. Burkett, Mary A. Olsen; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Ralph Hettinga, Alfred Hettinga, Martin Hettinga, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place in New Mexico, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Services of Southwest Michigan. www.langelands.com