John Van Hofwegen
John Van Hofwegen went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, just 18 days after he was diagnosed with end stage esophageal and liver cancer. He passed at home, surrounded by his beloved family. John was born March 15, 1937, in Lebanon, Iowa to Dick and Cora (Faber) Van Hofwegen. He was raised on the family farm until he moved to California at the age of 19. John was one of 13 children, 11 boys and two girls.
John voluntarily enlisted in the Army in October of 1959. He met and married the love of his life, Jessie Zylstra, on July 12, 1960. John received orders the night before the wedding that he was being deployed to Korea for 13 months. His time was extended for an additional four months due to the Berlin Crisis.
John and Jessie resided in Artesia, California, where they raised their three daughters, Shari, Sharla, and Kathy. John relocated his family to Lynden, Washington in 1977. John worked hard, played hard, and love deeply. He enjoyed playing music, fishing, boating, traveling, and spending time with his family.
John is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Adrian Van Hofwegen, Bill Van Hofwegen, Marinus Van Hofwegen, Liz Fluit, Kryna Roozebom, Dick Van Hofwegen, and Case Van Hofwegen.
John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jessie; daughter, Shari De Boom (Derrick), and their three children, Jessica McElhinny (Wesley and great grandson Ezra Derrick McElhinney), Michael, and Cameron; daughter Sharla Ellens (Eric), and their children Paige and Cory; and daughter, Kathy Wubben (Dale) and their children Kaiden, Hailey, Devin and Alex. John will be greatly missed by siblings Arie Van Hofwegen, Bob Van Hofwegen (Dee), Mart Van Hofwegen (Bernice), Herm Van Hofwegen, Carl Van Hofwegen (Joyce).
Visitation is POSTPONED from Saturday, April 15, to Tuesday, April 18th from 4 to 6 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Home. The graveside committal with Military Honors will be 2 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery on Monday, May 1, followed by a 4 p.m. memorial service at Third Christian Reformed Church. Memorials can be made to Lynden Christian Schools in honor of John Van Hofwegen.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
