John Block

A man of honor, integrity, and unwavering faith, John Block lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones close to his heart. He could be strict when needed, yet he also had a heart of gold. John was a hardworking man who was completely devoted to his family and took his role as provider to heart. Together with his wife he saw so many of the most beautiful places our country has to offer, yet what made these experiences so special was sharing them with the one he loved. John found strength, joy, and direction within the pages of his Bible, and his faith was truly inspiring. Life will never be the same without him here, but his timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

The 1920s were filled with innovation and great prosperity all across our great land, but life was drastically different during the 1930s as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce and the unemployment rate soared, which left cities, communities, and families to come together to weather the storm in whatever way they could. Amidst this trying time was the year 1931 when a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their own lives as they celebrated the birth of their healthy baby boy on October 22nd. John P. was the only child born to his parents, Anthony and Dena (Vlogman) Block, and he experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation. His father owned a small country store in Walker Station where his mother also helped out. The family home was attached to the county general store. The Block family was not immune from the trials of the time as his father lost the store during the Depression. When he was only three John was hospitalized with a diseased kidney. Raised in the Christian faith, their family joined Broadway Christian Reformed Church, later known as Westview CRC, when he was about six years old.

Although times were difficult, John and his parents found joy in the little things. Holidays were spent as a family, often including their Grandma Block, and they took fun-filled vacations to various Michigan lakes. Even a simple road trip was something they all enjoyed. John liked things such as playing games with the neighbors, both ice skating and sledding at Richmond Park, and making numerous model airplanes out of balsa wood. During the days of WWII, John took great interest in keeping up with world events and regularly went to news reels with his parents.

Throughout his life John was a man of great intelligence. He attended local schools including a two-room school in Walker Station. When the family moved to Grand Rapids he attended Harrison Park, which seemed like such a large, unwelcoming school to John. He also attended West Side Christian and Grand Rapids Christian High School. John uncovered a couple of talents while growing up as he played the accordion and sang. When he was around eight years old he played in a recital at St. Cecelia Music Hall. After graduating from high school John went on to Calvin College, and once he finished college he joined the Army. Although the peace treaty had been signed ending the Korean War, surveillance still took place over Alaska where John was transferred to the Air Force.

New and exciting changes were in store for John when he met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Trudy Slagter, and they met at Holiday Lanes after being introduced by friends. She was working at the Federal Housing Administration. Not long after they began dating, the couple found themselves deeply in love. After about a year of dating John and Trudy were married on November 16, 1956, at Thompson Chapel, Park Congregational Church. Although neither John nor Trudy attended that church, they loved it for the amenities.

The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon spent in the Smokey Mountains and returned to Grand Rapids where they settled into their new roles as husband and wife. John and his bride moved into an apartment at 510 Lyon Street, NE, and they soon discovered that they would be parents. Together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home including Eric in 1958, Dawn in 1959, Phillip in 1962, and Karla in 1967. To support his family John worked in administrative roles at several companies including DeKorne-Ethan Allen Furniture Stores until he retired. They did make time to be together as a family such as the times they stayed in cottages on a variety of Michigan lakes. They did take one camping trip out to the Rockies, which was quite an event as three of the children came down with the chicken pox!

In addition to being with his family, John enjoyed other things as well. He was an active and longtime member of Westview Christian Reformed Church as he served as an elder and a deacon. Additionally, John sang in the choir and in a Men’s quartet and was on various committees over the years. His favorite book was the Bible, although he also did read periodicals like Smithsonian. When it came to music John enjoyed various hymns as well as classical and big band music. After retiring he and his wife devoted more time to traveling as they took several amazing trips out West including to the Grand Canyon, the Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, Glacier National Park, and to Arizona. John’s love for family was evidenced through the leaded oil lamp that he viewed as his most cherished possession because it was passed on to him from his grandfather. As far as food was concerned he wasn’t too picky as he would eat just about anything - as long as it wasn’t broccoli!

Described as tenacious, persuasive, and generous, John Block was a gift to his family and friends. It was easy to see that his love for his children was never-ending, and his love only multiplied when grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined the family. John will be deeply missed while the memories he leaves behind remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of all who knew him.

BLOCK- Mr. John P. Block, aged 82, of Grand Rapids went to be with his Lord on September 26, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Dena Block. John is survived by Trudy (Gertrude Slagter), his wife of 57 years; his children, Eric and Julie, Dawn and Hal, Phillip and Megumi, and Karla; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Gerald and MaryLou Slagter of CA. John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, Oct 1, at Westview Christian Reformed Church, 2929 Leonard St. NW with Rev. Pete Byma officiating. Friends are invited to visit with his family from 6-8 PM on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to World Renew or Christian Rest Home Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.