The entire staff of WHTC wish to extend our condolences to a former member of our Sports Broadcast team.
John Van Iwaarden, age 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on June 27, 2025. He is survived by his wife Donna. Over their 32 years of marriage, they enjoyed times with family, happily pursued their academic careers, traveled extensively, and in their early retirement spent many winters entertaining family and friends at their home in The Villages, Florida.
Born on March 19, 1936, in Holland, Michigan, John was the son of John and Johanna (VanderBie) Van Iwaarden. He graduated from Hope College in 1957 with majors in mathematics and physics and went on to pursue graduate studies in mathematics at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Stevens Institute of Technology.
In 1961, John returned to his alma mater, joining the faculty at Hope College, where he taught mathematics, computer science, and physics for 40 years. He retired in 2001, having earned a reputation as an outstanding professor who deeply impacted generations of students. During his career, he chaired the mathematics department at Hope, served as a visiting professor at several universities, and presented scholarly papers at mathematics conferences in the U.S. and Europe. His publications include Ordinary Differential Equations with Numerical Techniques, College Algebra, and Discrete Structures-Essential Computer Mathematics.
John was a passionate supporter of Hope College athletics. For over two decades, he was the “voice of Hope College,” announcing football and basketball games on local radio. He also served as public address announcer for women’s basketball and as faculty representative to both the MIAA and NCAA.
Proud of his Dutch heritage and deeply rooted in the Holland community, John served as chair of both the Holland Township Planning Commission and the Park Township Planning Commission and also served on the Park Township Board of Trustees.
A gifted fast-pitch softball pitcher in his younger years, John later enjoyed playing golf and pickleball. He had a zest for life and adventure, traveling to all 50 states and more than 50 countries.
John will be remembered for his deep faith, his love of family, his dedication to teaching and community service, his boundless curiosity, and his love of music and sports. He will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him.
John treasured and delighted in his family. John is survived by his wife, Donna Van Iwaarden; children, Nancy Kowalski, John Jr. and (Ariane) Van Iwaarden, David Van Iwaarden, Deborah (Ken) DeMino, Mark (Tracey) Van Iwaarden, Daniel (DJ) Van Iwaarden; stepson, Casey Franklin; grandchildren, Tiffany and Derrick Elizardo, Nicole and Stefan Wilson, John and Kylea Van Iwaarden, Austin Van Iwaarden, Steven and Eileen Van Iwaarden, Gavin Van Iwaarden, Catherine DeMino, Danielle Van Iwaarden , Deborah Van Iwaarden, Dorothy Van Iwaarden, Dana Van Iwaarden, Davina Van Iwaarden, Daniel Jr. Van Iwaarden; Maddie Franklin; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel (Arnie) Defeyter; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Alvin and Theodore.
Visitation with the family is 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland, MI 49423.
A service of remembrance and celebration of life Memorial services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Christ Memorial Church Chapel, 595 Graafschap Rd. Holland, MI 49423 with Rev. Wayne Brouwer officiating.
Burial to take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in John’s honor may be given to the Hope College – Van Iwaarden Scholarship Fund.
Comments