John "Dutch" Edward Huizenga

John “Dutch” Edward Huizenga, age 86, passed away suddenly on October 20, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 6, 1934 to Samuel and Irene (Bokholdt) Huizenga. John had a great love for God, his family and his country. John sought a life of service first by serving his country as a Chaplin’s Assistant in the US Army; then by serving the various communities in which he lived as the president of the homeowner's association in Orland Park, IL; participating in the Neighborhood Watch Program in Grand Junction; serving as a Columbia Twp. Trustee; and as part of the Honor Guard for American Legion Post #160, a role of which he was extremely proud. John was an outspoken supporter of all those who have served and are currently serving our country, especially his grandchildren. John was a gifted musician who played both the organ and the accordion. Not able to read music, John played both instruments “by ear” and never passed up an opportunity to play his accordion, whether it was for residents of a local nursing home or an impromptu Christmas concert at Liz’s house. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good polka. John’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He married the love of his life, Carol (nee Schwenn) on February 18, 1961, and they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this coming February. Together they raised four very strong-willed girls. They often joked they were the cause of his significant hair loss. John will be sadly missed by his wife of 59 years, Carol; daughters, Debra (Jeff) Harjes, Brohman, MI, Elizabeth Robertson, South Haven, MI, Susan (Dean) Davis, Norton Shores, MI, Dawn (Tim Purk) Huizenga, Grand Junction, MI; 8 grandchildren, Carolynn (Steven) Freeman, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX, Billie Gardner III, Brohman, MI, POC3 Brittiny Gardner, US Navy, Virginia Beach, VA, Patrick Gardner, Savannah, Georgia, Hannah (Michael) Garrison, Hastings, MI, SGT Benjamin Robertson, US Army, Ft. Bragg, NC, Nicholas and Zachary Davis, Norton Shores, MI; and 3 great grandchildren, Katrina Chapman, Grand Rapids, MI, Leigha Chapman and Wyatt Freeman, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX. The family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders of Columbia Township Fire Rescue for their diligent efforts and exemplary care of our father. Visitation will be held November 1, 2020 from 2-4pm with a memorial service immediately following at The First Congregational Church; 54138 CR 388; Grand Junction, MI. Masks are required. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bangor American Legion Post #160 or Blue Star Mothers of Southwest Michigan #179. Arrangements by the Bangor Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home.

John "Dutch" Edward Huizenga

July 6, 1934 - October 20, 2020