Blankespoor, Rev. John 1914-2009

BLANKESPOOR, BRUNSTING, DRIESEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 6/12/2016 at 12:22:16

Source: Obit Funeral Home Matthysse Kuiper De Graff

Birth: September 30, 1914
Death: July 8, 2009

Reverend John Blankespoor, age 94, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 from pneumonia after residing just a few months in the Brookcrest Nursing Home in Grandville, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Brunsting) of Jenison, Michigan.

He was predeceased by his father, Gysbert Blankespoor and his mother, Hilda Driesen, both of whom emigrated as children from Holland to Northwest Iowa, and by his brother, Hank Blankespoor. His remaining siblings are Rosella Wassink of Sioux Center, Iowa and Henrietta Byker of Jenison,Michigan.

John was born in Hull, Iowa and lived on his parent's farm until he left to attend seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served Protestant Reformed Churches in Orange City and Doon, Iowa, and Grand Rapids and Holland, Michigan. Following one year of teaching Bible at the Holland Christian School, Holland, Michigan, he pastored Christian Reformed Churches in Hudsonville (First CRC) and Holland (Pine Creek).

He is survived by four children, Gil and Liz Blankespoor of Reston, Virginia, Minetta and Barry Groendyk of Grand Rapids, Hildrene and Douglas DeGood of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Marielle and Jon Kuzee of Grandville. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, one other grandchild, Anne Kuzee, having predeceased him, and 27 great-grandchildren.

John had a passion for Christ, for studying the Bible, for preaching, for visiting shut-ins, and for what he called "his teaching ministry." Long before visual aids were commonly used during sermons, he often had an interesting object, a photograph, a relic from the Holy Land, etc. to show the congregation as he used it to illustrate a point in his sermon.

He very much enjoyed his one year as a Bible teacher in 1962, reflecting his love of children and young people. His ministry was greatly enhanced by his deep interest in other people and empathy with those experiencing difficulty in life.

He and Margaret loved to travel and enjoyed overseas trips to Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa as well as countless camping trips within the U.S. with their children. He was an avid woodworker and built many useful items to use in their homes. John lived a rich and full life. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday 3 p.m. at Faith Community Christian Reformed Church, 5250 Byron Center, Wyoming with Reverend Roger Groenboom officiating. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Community Christian Reformed Church or Calvin Christian School Association.

Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 1 to 3 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. and Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the church prior to the service.