John Syperda

John Syperda was a man of quiet strength and clear moral vision, a rock for family and friends to lean on in times of trouble. From his 49 years of service at Syperda Insurance Agency to the loving and devoted care he took of his wife in the final years of her life, Johns long life was characterized throughout by faith, service, and love. His compassion, dedication, and genuine concern for others will remain as an inspiration to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. John was born on February 5, 1917, to proud parents Hans and Jennie (Witt) Syperda. John was the second of three children, and grew up with siblings Arthur and Donald in Muskegon, Michigan. John and his brothers attended Muskegon Christian School, and were raised in the 5th Reformed Church. Sadly, Jennie Syperda passed away while John was still young. John served his country in the armed services. He was in the Army Air Forces, and served courageously during WWII. He was honorably discharged, and returned safely to Muskegon. Back in his hometown, John worked as an electrician at Campbell, Wyant & Cannon and at the same time became a State Farm Insurance Agent. He initially worked from his home, and later opened the Syperda Insurance Agency. Around this time, John met the woman who would be the love of his life: Vivian DeVries. John and Vivian dated and fell in love and married on July 23, 1948. John was blessed with three children, whom they named Margo, Brenda, and John. John loved spending time with his family, and they often vacationed at the family cottage on Big Blue Lake, as well as throughout the continental United States. In addition to his work and family obligations, John was also an active member of many community organizations. A faithful Christian, he was a member 1st Reformed Church, where he served as an elder, and later at Hope Reformed Church. He was a life member of the Old Newsboys, and belonged to the Lovell Moore Lodge #182, Muskegon Commandery, Muskegon Shriners, and Saladin Temple. John retired on December 31, 1994, after forty-nine years of faithful and dedicated service as a State Farm Insurance agent. He left behind a successful business in the capable hands of his daughter, Brenda. As the years went by, Vivians health began to decline. As she gradually lost her independence, John became her devoted and tireless caretaker. She passed away in 2005, ending a loving and committed marriage of 57 years. In the wake of Vivians death, Brenda and her husband, Bill, felt it would be good for John to leave his normal environment for a time. They took an Alaskan cruise together, which proved to be good medicine for them all. John has enjoyed cooking, gardening, and boating on his pontoon boat, especially in the company of his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dedicated, thoughtful, and kind-hearted, John was a devoted husband, a loving father grandfather and great grandfather, a conscientious insurance agent, and a good friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. John Syperda died at his home on October 4, 2012, at the age of 95. His family includes his son, John M. Syperda of Mesa, AZ; his daughters, Margo (Steve) Bonebrake of River Grove IL, and Brenda (Bill) Bouwman of Muskegon; his grandchildren, Amy (Scott) Kazuba, Alyssa (fianc Brian) Bonebrake, Stephanie (Nick) Henry, Greg (Jennifer) Bouwman, and Kevin (Kelly) Bouwman; his great-grandchildren, Matthew, Kay and Mitchell Kazuba, and Andrew, Gage and River Bouwman; his sister-in-law, Lois Zylstra of Wyoming, MI; and several nieces and cousins. John was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian, in 2005; and his brothers, Donald and Arthur. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon, and on Sunday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Services will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, at Hope Reformed Church, with Rev. Steve Hyma officiating, with Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Memorials to the Hope Reformed Church are appreciated. Please visit Johns personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.