John “Unc” Rientjes, 86, lifetime resident of Oak Harbor, passed away May 3, 2008, at Careage of Whidbey.

Mr. Rientjes was born in Red Cliff, Alberta, on Oct. 19, 1921, to Jan Rientjes and Wilhelmina (DeJong) Rientjes. He moved to Oak Harbor with his family at the age of two. John attended Oak Harbor schools. He entered the U.S. Army and served his country during World War II.

On Feb. 12, 1947, John married Alice Vander Voet. He was employed for 20 years as a heavy equipment operator for Island Construction. John was a life-long member of First Reformed Church, where he sang in the choir for over 50 years and served as a deacon and an elder.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice; one daughter, Diane Green and husband Melvin of Ferndale; one son, Daniel Rientjes and wife Dona of Oak Harbor; two grandsons, Douglas Rientjes and wife Heather of Maple Valley and John Rientjes and wife Leighla of Kirkland; one great-grandson, Daniel Jacob; step-granddaughter Nicole Anna-Kay Green; one brother, Cornie Rientjes of Lynden; one sister-in-law, Henrietta Rientjes of Oak Harbor; also numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerritt and Bert and by two sisters, Della and Fan.

A Memorial Service will take place at First Reformed Church Thursday, May 8, at 2 p.m., Pastor Jon Brown officiating. A private family graveside service will take place at Maple Leaf Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Reformed Church Seminarian Fund. Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc.