John W. Terpstra

John W. Terpstra, age 96, of Highland, IN passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2016. John is survived by wife Audrey Terpstra (Van Ryn) (nee Jager); four children: Lynne (Jim) Smit, Bill (Vicki) Terpstra, Fred (Kim) Terpstra and Diane Larsen; fifteen grandchildren: Paul (Penny) Smit, Matthew (Stephanie) Smit, Mark (Jamie) Smit, David (Donna) Smit, Sarah (Layne) Hoekema, Jesse Terpstra, Beth (Brian) Bonham, Rachel Terpstra, Desiree (Joel) Mulder, Nicole (Michael) Wondaal, John Ryan (Kara) Terpstra, Shaina (Matthew) Rudolph, Joshua (Paige) Larsen, Jessica (Matthew) DeLazzer, and Caleb Larsen; thirty six great grandchildren; three step children: Debra Churchward, Jill (Brian) Savage, and Scott (Annette) Van Ryn; five step grandchildren: Carrie (Jeremy) Etress, Ryan (Kathryn) Churchward, Aubrey Churchward, Allison Van Ryn, and Austin Van Ryn; three step great grandchildren; two brothers: Bill (Jackie) Terpstra and Richard (Janet) Terpstra; two sisters: Wilma (late Pete) Bultema and Doris (Ed) Van Drunen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife Violet Terpstra, parents William and Dora Terpstra; three brothers: Don, Tony and Albert Terpstra; two sisters: Sadie Kooistra and Bernice Beisboer. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 11, 2016 at 10 AM at New Life Christian Reformed Church, 3010 Ridge Road, Highland with Rev. Bill Sytsma and Rev. David Veldhorst officiating. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday January 10 from 2-8 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland. John was a co-founder of Highland Department Store with Peter Groot in 1946, and president of Highland High School School Board, president of Illiana Christian High School School Board, and president of the Indiana State School Board Association. He was a veteran of the US Army during WWII and a charter member of New Life Christian Reformed Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Illiana Christian High School or Highland Christian School. Family and church shaped the focus of John’s life. Please visit www.kuiperfh.com