John Leon Datema

John Leon Datema, age 92, passed away at his home on December 14, 2024. John was born in Grand Rapids on December 4, 1932 the son of Claude & Winifred (Schuitema) Datema. He was a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids.

After graduating from Creston High School, John enlisted in the Army. After his honorable discharge, John was united in marriage to the former Eva Thomas.

For 25 years, John was a firefighter with the city of Grand Rapids. However, after retiring, he was not one to sit still, and for many years, John continued to work. From light construction to delivering flowers, John was always working.

He was a man of deep faith. John was an active member of Third Reformed Church where he had a regular pew on Sundays. He served as a Deacon and sat on the property committee.

John loved the simple pleasures of life. A road trip to the beach with a good book to enjoy the sun and water, or a bike ride down the nature trails with Eva, the peace and beauty of nature refreshed him. Most importantly for John, the love of his family was his greatest passion. He was a devoted husband, a loving dad and amazing Bumpa.

The memories and stories about John will be treasured by all who knew him.

John is survived by his daughter Stacy (Jeffrey) Westra; his grandchildren: Justin (Heather) Westra and Brooke (Matthew) VanderPloeg; his 10 great-grandchildren; his sister Sherry Vandrunen and sister-in-law Virginia Gates as well as many other relatives.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Eva; his son Steven Datema and his infant daughter Cindy.

Visitation will be on Wednesday December 18, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Thursday December 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Third Reformed Church 2060 Michigan St NE where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services.

Memorial Donations in memory of John may be directed to Hospice of Michigan: 989 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada, MI, 49301.