John Henry Berends

John Henry Berends went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Tressa Berends; brother, Robert Berends. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Donna; children, Benjamin Hess, Brooke (Joshua) Hoekstra, Stacie (Brian) Bode, Katelyn Berends (Blake Diephouse); grandson, Brayden Bode; sister, Phyllis Gebben; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Art) Vredeveld; mother-in-law, Nell Hill; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. John was a first team academic All-American basketball player at Central Michigan University in 1967 and went on to be inducted into their Hall of Fame. After graduation from CMU, he taught and coached for seven years before going back to school, this time attending Michigan State University’s vet school. He was a beloved large animal veterinarian for 44 years. The legacy he left behind is not easily summed up but the beauty of it is that if you knew him, you know it. John fully devoted his life to serving the Lord and in doing that he selflessly cared for everyone he met. He will be remembered first and foremost as a man of God but also as a talented athlete, dedicated basketball coach, trusted veterinarian, loving friend, and a truly exceptional husband, father, and grandfather. Funeral services will be held 11 am Saturday, March 5 at Kentwood Christian Church, 5841 Kalamazoo SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Patrick Gill officiating. Burial Mount Hope Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Saturday from 9:30-10:45am at the church before the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Imago Dei Learning Center, PO Box 225, Jenison, MI 49429.