John Lee Spoelstra

John Lee Spoelstra, age 87 of Smyrna, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at home, doing what he loved with his work boots on and a hammer in his hand. Born to John and Lena (Oosterink) Spoelstra in Wyoming, Michigan, he is survived by his loving wife Mary Jane Spoelstra; sister Donna and Chuck Plaggemeyer; children Dorene and Dan Lilley, John and Priscilla Spoelstra, Paul and Lori Spoelstra, Michelle Covert, Dave and Kathy Covert, Gina Covert and Ric Seager, and Greg and Amy Brown; grandchildren Deanna and BJ Shay, Andrea and Clark Bruce, Nathaniel and Eliza Lilley, John Spoelstra and Kristin Colestock, Olivia and Ethan Voit, Ella and Brian Walker, Joey Spoelstra, Sam and Tobi Jo Spoelstra, Max Spoelstra and Brianna Steiner, Maggie and Noah Lynch, Andrea and Matt Castle, Audra and Jon Klekotka, Jessie and Casey Luke, Amber and Stephen Annese, Lena Ostergren, Shiloh Bovee, Liam Ostergren, Savannah Brown and Elle Brown; and great-grandchildren Jack Shay, Ellie Spoelstra, Olive Spoelstra Steiner, Della Klekotka, Renn Klekotka, Addalyn Luke, Weston Luke, and Oliver Annese. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Bertha and Lyle Kole, and Ruth and Ron Axdorff; daughter Suann Spoelstra; son Chris Covert; sons-in-law Todd Bovee and Craig Ostergren; and granddaughter Sierra Brown.

John was a faithful follower of Jesus, humbly and quietly modeling love, generosity, and acceptance. A man of few words, he consistently showed his love through his actions. He had a zest for life, working into his 80s, downhill skiing into his 70s, traveling and always being game to try something new. John and Mary were true partners, worshiping, working, loving, and laughing through their beautiful adventure. They graciously opened their home to family, friends, and new friends throughout their life together bringing joy and love to many. John founded Spoelstra Pool and Patio in the mid 1960s, building it into a successful enterprise that is 60 years strong. His accomplishments are easily traced to his business acumen and tireless work ethic, but he would proudly attribute his success to the devoted Spoelstra Pools family of employees. His business took him all over the state, country, and world, and with his warm and easy personality, he made friends everywhere he went. The running joke when you went to dinner with John was, “So, I wonder how many people will know you here?” And now in Heaven, we’re sure there will be hundreds of, “Hey, John Spoelstra, is that you?”

Visitation with friends and family will take place from 4-7 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2024 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 5, with one hour visitation prior to service, at Smyrna Bible Church, 4864 Whites Bridge Rd., Belding, MI. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.