John Cook Jr.

92, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, February 21, 2019. He was born June 1, 1926 in Kalamazoo, MI to the late John Sr. and Anna (Wolfert) Cook. Upon high school graduation John was employed with the City of Kalamazoo working with the maintenance department. In 1955 he purchased Reliable Disposal Service which he managed for about 25 years. Being too young to retire he then transitioned to Landfill Management working for Balkema managing landfills in Watervliet and Indianapolis. This time he did retire however, that did not last long as he was recruited by his nephew Ken Hoving to assist with a management transition at his waste management facility in New Castle, IN. After 4 years he 'officially retired' and came home to work with his son John in his business, Pro-Fleet Refinishing. As a business owner, John made many friends over the years and was a well-respected by his employees and his peers. He took great pride in his work and always conducted himself with utmost integrity whether it was in business or in life. John and his wife were very involved with their church, Grace Christian Reformed, which John attended for most of his life. He served on the board for several years and he and Gertrude had a heart for visiting shut-ins and others in need. He was particularly proud of being a Bible Study pen pal for Crossroads Prison Ministry. John and Gertrude thoroughly enjoyed traveling and loved planning vacations for their friends. This included numerous cruises and other "mystery trips' they planned for their group down to the last detail. On June 18, 1948, he was united in marriage to Gertrude Ann Schutt, who preceded him in death March 29, 2015 after 66 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Borgia DeHaan; brother, Bruce Cook; and son-in-law, Mark Wolthuis. John is survived by his three children, Becky Wolthuis of Mattawan, Julie (Gary) Timmer of Byron Center, and John (Jenny) Cook III of Kalamazoo; 13 grandchildren, Chad (Jaime) Visser, Megan (Jason) Vroegindewey, Courtney (Josh) Porter, Michael Wolthuis, Christine (John) Nichols, Seth (Katie) Timmer, Jordan (Betsy) Timmer, Trenton Timmer, Jared Timmer, Brandon (Jenny) Cook, Cody Cook, Jena Cook, and Lynsey Cook; 14 great-grandchildren, Jackson Visser, Tessa Visser, Charlee Vroegindewey, Mitchell Vroegindewey, Mia Vroegindewey, Mylee Wolthuis, Jake (Melissa) Nichols, Sam Nichols, Molly Nichols, Brady Timmer, Addyson Timmer, Parker Timmer, Annie Timmer, and Lucy Timmer. Also surviving is his sister, Shirley (Henry) Jager along with several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 27, from 5-7:00PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. There will be a visitation at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 1724 Whites Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 on Thursday, February 28 from 10-11:00AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00AM also at the church. Pastor Greg Timmer will officiate. A private interment will be conducted at Genessee Prairie Cemetery later that day. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crossroads Prison Ministry, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or any charity of your choosing. Please visit John's personalized online guestbook at www.langelands.com.