Dorothea John

Dorothea Ella John of Holland passed away on Monday, January 18, 2016, surrounded by family, at Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus in Grand Rapids. Dorothea was born October 15, 1922 to Forrest and Elsa (Witting) Lavoy in Allegan, Michigan. She graduated from Holland High School in 1940. She worked as a Secretary at Holland Chamber of Commerce, Washington School, and Grace Episcopal Church, from which she retired. Dorothea was also owner of the Knitting Nest, and an active member of the Holland and Grand Rapids Area Machine Knitters Clubs. She had a booth at Holland Art in the Park, selling knitted items, for 39 years. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Holland. She and her husband, David, made many mission trips to Douglas, Alaska, and Lake Louise United Methodist Church Camp near Boyne City, Michigan. She was predeceased by her husband, David, in October, 2015. They will celebrate 69 years of marriage, together, on Friday, January 22. She was also predeceased by her son, Robert, and son-in-law, John Stack. She is survived by her children; Karlene Stack, Larry John, Vickie and Dave Whipple, Steve and Pat John, and daughter-in-law, Sally John, grandchildren; John and Katherine Stack, Peter and Sarah Stack, Adam and Veronica Stack, Nicholas John, Richard John, Jaime Whipple, Andrew Whipple, Ryan and Tami John, Stephanie and David Morgan, Tracy and Brad Bredeway, 12 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Ruth Prins, nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be 11 am Saturday (January 23), at the First United Methodist Church, 57 West 10th Street, with Mr. David Newton officiating. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Friday (January 22), at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Douglas Community United Methodist Church in Douglas, AK, or Hospice of Holland. For an online registry, visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.