John Bytwerk

Mr. John E. Bytwerk, age 85, a humble man of faith, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, May 25, 2007. He died of cancer at home with his family at his side, having been relieved of much of his suffering by VNS Hospice. He was born December 14, 1921, to Peter and Ida (Musch) Bytwerk in Muskegon, and was a life resident of West Michigan. He taught school for one year and then spent his life long career at Superior Oil Co. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of WWII, and a 1947 graduate of Calvin College. His was a life well lived; a life that taught by example gratitude for God's mercy and grace. The values in John's life were his commitment to his church and deep affection for his multitude of lifelong friends. Family was paramount with extended family gatherings on all holidays where he could visit with his children and cavort with his grandchildren. John was a long-time member of the Rotary Club, an avid tennis player and skilled wood worker. He had long attended Forest Park Covenant Church and Calvin Christian Reformed Church. John was an enthusiastic supporter of several local Christian organizations, including Muskegon Christian School, Western Michigan Christian High School, and Love, INC. On July 24, 1945 he married Nellie C. Veurink. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage before Nellie passed away on October 29, 1999. He later married Mary (Foote) Gust. Survivors include his wife Mary of Norton Shores; 3 children: Susan (Fred) Cooper of Spring Lake, Bruce (Luanne) Bytwerk of N. Muskegon, Janice (Laurens) TenKate of Grand Rapids; son-in-law, Richard (Grace) Medendorp, and former daughter-in-law Kate Bytwerk; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Robert Bytwerk of West Olive, Edward (Betty) Bytwerk of Spring Lake; 4 step-children, Corky (Teri) Gust, Greg (Laura) Gust, Birgitta Gust-Romaniello, Ted ( Erin) Jahanshahi; and 14 step-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his father and mother; 1 daughter, Patricia Bytwerk Medendorp; and 1 brother, Clarence "Clutch" Bytwerk. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11AM Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at Forest Park Covenant Church (3815 Henry St., Muskegon), with Rev. Paul Bengtson officiating. Burial will take place at Norton Cemetery. VISITATION at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 759-8565 will be Tuesday, May 29, 6-8 pm and 1 hour prior to the service, at church. For a more lasting memorial, please consider the Patricia Bytwerk Medendorp Tuition Assistance Fund at Muskegon Christian School, or the Gymnasium Fund at Western Michigan Christian High School.