John Timmerman

TIMMERMAN, John Portage John went home to be with his Lord and his wife, Grace, Friday, December 15, 2006. He was born March 25,1918 in the Netherlands to the late Wicher and Margaretha Deen Timmerman. John married Grace Drenth in 1944. She went to be with her Lord in 2003. They had been married 59 years. John served in the Dutch Army, the Military Police and transitioned as an officer with the National Police. His war efforts were recognized when he was decorated by the Queen?s husband, Prince Bernhard. After 17 years of service to his country, John, Grace and their three daughters immigrated to the USA to provide for more educational opportunities for their family. After arriving in Kalamazoo, John worked in the construction field until his retirement. John and Grace also owned and operated the Portage Motel. After their retirement, they loved to travel throughout the country in their motor home. John was an avid gardener and soccer fan. John was very strong in his faith and was a member of the First Reformed Churches in Kalamazoo and then Portage. He demonstrated a strong love for his family. Surviving are his children: Wilhelmina and Frederik Hiemstra of Wyoming, MI, Margaret and Klaas Bosker of Farmington Hills, MI, Henriette and David Carlson of Vicksburg, MI and William and Peggy Timmerman of Portage; grandchildren: Michael and Carol Hiemstra, Lisa and Mark Roach, Erik and Christina Hiemstra, Kristina and Karl Henn, James Bosker, Andrea Kaye, Alison Kaye and Eric Carlson, Valerie and Matt Rogers, Brian Kaye, Tyler Timmerman and Rebecca Timmerman; 7 great grandchildren, Kelcey, Kayla, Michael, Joshua, Megan, Michael Paul and Jonathan. Preceding John in death were his three sisters. He is survived by numerous family members in the Netherlands. Funeral services will take place, 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at the First Reformed Church of Portage, 7905 S. Westnedge, Rev. Mike Drew, officiating. A private interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Visitation will take place Tuesday, 1:00 ? 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 ? 8:00 p.m. at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre St., Portage. Memorials may be directed to the First Reformed Church of Portage or a charity of one?s choice. www.langelands.com . 343-1508