John W. Willard

John W. Willard, age 85, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, September 30, 2022. John was a kind and loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa who cherished his family. He had a huge heart and always put others before himself. John was a truck driver who retired from ATL after over 30 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed the open road of riding his motorcycle and was a sports enthusiast, especially watching boxing and football. John loved music as well, always listening to some jazz whenever he could. He was preceded in death by his son, Tom Willard; his sister, Sally Theobald. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Betsy; children, Julie and Robert Tilson, Don Kurz (Robin), Todd and Dee Kurz, Pam Rozanski, Beth and Rob Moore, Larry and Renee Teeple; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces, Polly Mayeur, and Linda Bailey. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 7 pm at MKD - Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, with Pastor Mitch Taylor officiating. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Catholic Eternal Word Network.