John H. Verdonk

VERDONK, JOHN H., Age 94, Bangor Passed away on April 21, 2007. He was born on November 24, 1912 in Berlicum, Netherlands. He came to America through Ellis Island as a babe in arms in 1913. He was the oldest son of William Peter Verdonk and Martina Verdonk who predeceased him. His younger sister, Rita Verdonk predeceased him in 2004. His younger brother, William Verdonk predeceased him at age four. His youngest brother, William Joseph Verdonk (Dorothy) of South Haven, Michigan survives him. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth S. Verdonk and four children John W. Verdonk (Lois); Mary Elizabeth Thompson; Margaret Ann Moran (Bruce) and William P. Verdonk. He is survived by nine grandchildren, Tara E. Verdonk Rougle (Bill); John L. Verdonk (Jennifer); David A. Verdonk; Marrisa A. Moyna; Stephanie M. Gilbert (Josh); Heather M. Bird (John); William D. Verdonk (Meredith); Eric M. Verdonk and Nicklaus J. Verdonk. He is survived by five great grandchildren, Tyler Verdonk; Xavier Gilbert; Ashley R. Verdonk; Alanaha Gilbert and Eliana Rougle. He is Also survived by two nephews Christopher Verdonk (Sylvia) and their children, Matthew, Emily and Edward and Michael Verdonk (Karen) and their children Jenna and Jordan and grandnephew, Conner. He studied in the Netherlands where he earned a degree in English from the University of Utrecht. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Philosophy and also earned a degree of Bachelor of Law from Notre Dame in 1942. He married his wife, Elizabeth at the University of Notre Dame on February 2, 1943. He served in the U S Army and rose to the rank of Captain. After his military service, he returned home and settled in Bangor to practice law. He practiced law in Bangor for over 50 years. He was a member of several corporate boards of directors through the years including Adams Electronics, Inc., Citzens Trust and Savings Bank, Allegan Metal Finishing Company, Allegan Tubular Products, Inc., Swing-Lo Suspended Scaffold Co. and The West Michigan Savings Bank. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, The American Legion, The Knights of Columbus, the Kiwanis Club and the South Haven Yacht Club. He is a member of the Van Buren County Bar Association and a member of the State Bar of Michigan. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church from 1946 to the present. He served the church as a religion education teacher and other church committee assignments. In his 50 year tenure with the law profession, he served as prosecuting attorney of Van Buren County for two terms and as city attorney for Hartford and Bangor. He also served as Friend of the Court in Van Buren County for many years. He loved to play golf and bridge and he took the time to share these past times with his wife and children. He loved reading and writing poetry and wrote poems during most of his life. He was a man of wisdom and vision and his family will miss him. The family will meet friends Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the BANGOR CHAPEL, D. L. Miller Funeral Home www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com where a Scripture Service will be held at 4:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church, Bangor, Fr. Thomas Seidel, CSC celebrant. Interment Grand Junction Cemetery with Military Service by the Wilcox-Eastman-Salinas American Legion Post. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Bangor, Michigan.

John H. Verdonk

November 24, 1912 - April 21, 2007