John Triezenberg

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, John Triezenberg lived each day to the fullest while holding his loved ones near. Upon spending only a few minutes with him, it was easy to see that his life was rooted in something different, something deeper, and that something was his faith. John was deeply devoted to his family, and there was nothing that was more near and dear to his heart than the relationships he shared with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. Gifted and talented, he worked hard and built a business that supported his family so that his wife could focus on raising their five daughters. Although he will be deeply missed, John leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.

The 1930s brought us some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the Great Depression defined the entire decade. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only became more strained when a drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the trials around them, John and Hattie Triezenberg were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on October 13, 1935, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. John was the fourth of eight children in the Triezenberg clan as he was joined in his family by his older siblings, Nellie, Eleanor, and Lois, and his younger siblings, Harold, Frank, Elaine, and Patti. To support their family, John’s father worked at a paper mill while his mother was a busy homemaker. Raised in the family home in Kalamazoo, John was a typical young boy of his generation. It was while growing up that he uncovered his love for gardening as it became a lifelong passion. For as long as he was able, John was a hobby farmer.

New and exciting changes were in store for John when he met the young girl of his dreams while building a house for his sister, Eleanor. Her name was Janice Buning, and she was his sister’s husband’s cousin who had stopped over for a visit. Sparks flew, and the rest is history as they say. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, John and Janice were married on March 6, 1959, in the middle of a blizzard. The weather was so severe that everyone had to spend the night at the church, however, the newlyweds had a kind farmer bring them to his home in his tractor for their wedding night. This kind gesture even made the local paper! Together John and his wife welcomed five daughters including Nancy, Beth, Mary Jo, Sandra, and Joan into their hearts and home.

John loved his family and his life, too. They spent more than 27 years living in Cooper Township before moving to Plainwell where they lived for 26 years. John was so thrilled to build his dream log cabin on 34 acres. To support his family, he made a career in the building industry. John always had a mind that just knew how things went together as he started out working on bicycles when he was only 14 years old. He later began working for a carpenter, which is where he learned the basics of the building trade. For more than 35 years, John owned and operated K-P-B Builders. He was successful in his work, which allowed Janice to stay home. She was an amazing cook, and he especially loved her soup and eggs. Home was John’s favorite place to be, and he loved having so much land, too. He taught his girls so many things including an appreciation for nurturing God’s land. Later in life John was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren with even more on the way soon.

Always one to be busy, John was a man of many interests. Faith was a cornerstone, and for a time he attended Northern Heights Christian Reformed. They later became members of Martin Reformed Church. John loved woodworking and even built some of his daughters’ homes. On a smaller scale, he also made birdhouses.

When reflecting on the life of John Triezenberg, words such as hardworking, persistent, and loyal come to mind, however, perhaps the word that paints the most vibrant picture of who he was is the word committed. Whether his family, his business, or those within his community, John was deeply committed to the people and things he treasured. He was never one to worry about the things of this world, rather, his focus was always on things of eternal value. Comfortable in his own skin, John didn’t shy away from doing things his own way. Deeply loved, he will be greatly missed.

John Triezenberg, of Plainwell passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016. John’s family includes his wife of 57 years, Janice; five daughters: Nancy (Doug) Hopkins, of Shelbyville; Beth (Dan) Dockweiler, of Kalamazoo; Mary Jo (Victor) Davis, of AL; Sandra (Brian) Sanders, of Parchment; Joan (Brian) Wagner, of Plainwell; 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren with more on the way; siblings: Nellie (John) Kloosterman, of Kalamazoo; Eleanor (Joe) Dekoekkoek, of Kalamazoo; Harold (Phyllis) Triezenberg, of Kalamazoo; Frank (Judy) Triezenberg, of Wyoming; Patti (Peter) Blok, of Kalamazoo. John was preceded in death by his sisters: Lois Gunnink and Elaine Triezenberg. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m., Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881). A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 West Allegan, Martin. Burial West Cooper. Please visit John’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make a contribution to the Martin Reformed Church Missions and/or library funds.