John G Bekkering

John Bekkering, age 96, went to be with his Lord, Saturday, August 15,2020. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Bekkering; parents Gerben “Max” and Rena Bekkering; brothers Jim and Dick Bekkering; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Arvid, Edwina, Carl, Shirley Brookhouse, Al Mendham, and Dick Talbott.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children Julie Bekkering, Laurie Richter; grandchildren Sue (Fred) Ferreyra, Rick (Kerri) Hoffman, Jon (Lisa) Richter, Joe Richter; great-grandchildren Shawn Ferreyra, Heather Ferreyra, Nick Hoffman, Alyson Richter; great-great-grandson John Blake Nicholson; brother and sisters-in-law Barb Talbott, Sandra Mendham, Ken (Cher) Brookhouse; many nieces, nephews and friends.

John was born and raised in Fremont, MI where he met his wife Evelyn. He was a WWII veteran, a graduate of Calvin College, and earned his Master’s Degree at the University of Michigan. He was a teacher or principal in Fremont, Holland, Grand Rapids, and Cutlerville, Michigan. He retired from South Christian High School after being a teacher, coach, athletic director, and registrar. He loved to golf and was an avid U of M football fan. He was also a man of faith in Jesus Christ. He would share his faith, any time, and any place. He was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, which he shared in the church choir, most recently at MacPherson Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, NC where he resided for the last 16 years, returning home to Michigan in May of this year.

A graveside service for John will be held Friday, September 18, 2020 at 10AM at Georgetown Cemetery. Pastor Hank Vlaardingerbroek will be officiating.

Due to the COVID virus, we ask you to please bring a chair.

In honor of John and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MacPherson Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, NC or South Christian High School Athletic Fund in Cutlerville, MI.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com.