Obituary of John S. Van Essen

Van Essen, John S. "Dutch" Saginaw, Michigan formerly of Croswell, MI Passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Barton Woods Assisted Living. He was 86 years old. Jan "John" S. Van Essen was born on November 20, 1930 in the Netherlands to the late Jan Dirk and Siena E. (Kedde) Van Essen. When John was 20 years old, with hopes of bettering his life, he traveled from Enschede, Netherlands to join his aunt and uncle in Michigan. He began his journey by teaching himself the English language. He married Norma E. Schroepple on June 4, 1974 in Port Huron, Michigan; she preceded him in death on October 17, 1998. John worked at Cawoods in Port Huron as a Master Mechanic for over 20 years. He faithfully worshiped at Community Baptist Church of Croswell for over 30 years. After moving to Saginaw, he then worshiped at Community Baptist Church. John loved to spend time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren who will deeply miss him. John is survived by his children: Dawn Marie Pierre, Gerri (KC) Kevwitch, Jon (Marie) Van Essen, Siena Monroe, Becca (Frank) Fifelski; step-children: Aaron (Kimberly) Whitwam, Anna (Bill) True, Janet (Tom) Hunt; 23 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends in the States and the Netherlands. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; step-son, Scott Whitwam; and three sisters. John's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Barton Woods and Compassus Hospice for all of the love and care they provided. FUNERAL: A funeral service for John will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 2017 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Dr. Douglas R. Jackson will officiate. Burial will be in Croswell Cemetery on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. VISITATION: John's family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to the Community Baptist Church, Missions Program. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com