John Peter Terpstra was called home to his Lord on Sunday, March 16, 2008, at the age of 94. He was born January 30, 1914 in Grand Rapids, Mich. to Peter John and Jennie (Arkema) Terpstra.

John was raised in Grand Rapids. Following high school, he began work with the Civilian Conservation Corps in October of 1934. He began his work in reforestation and then served as a hospital orderly. He completed his service in September of 1937, earning two medals, and then put his nursing skills to work, serving as a nurses aide at Pine Rest Mental Health Center in Grand Rapids.

A young lady from Oak Harbor, had moved to Grand Rapids, seeking work and while there was set up on a blind date arranged her brother Ken and his girlfriend Bess. Love soon blossomed and on July 31, 1942, John Terpstra and Julia Hamming were married in Grand Rapids.

On February 12, 1943, John was inducted into the U.S. Army. Following basic training he was assigned duty as a medical technician at Fort Douglas, Utah. Julia was soon able to join him. In 1951 he received an honorable discharge and several letters of recommendation from superiors. When the war ended, the Terpstras moved to Oak Harbor.

John found work at Oak Harbor Transfer Company for a short time, before an opportunity arose to work for the post office as a front counter person. He also worked as an insurance sales person for Allstate Insurance Company. John retired from the post office with 30 years of federal service.

John had developed a love for health care and decided to return to school. He pursued his goal of obtaining his Licensed Practical Nurses license. He graduated from Skagit Valley College as an LPN and an associate of arts degree. He began work as a night LPN at Barth’s Nursing Home in Anacortes, until his second retirement. John was a lifelong learner. In the past 10 years, he gained a mastery of technology, becoming a competent user of computers and especially the Internet.

John was a life member of the Christian Reformed Church of Oak Harbor. He served as an elder and deacon in the church and was actively involved in mission work. He served as a guest mission pastor in the pulpit at both the Anacortes Christian Reformed Church and the San de Fuca Chapel. He also served as president of the Oak Harbor Christian School Board.

John was very strong in his faith and his family. He loved music, classical and especially organ music. He served several years on the alternative energy source committee for Puget Power, studying the use of waterpower from the waters of Deception Pass. He enjoyed gardening and macramé.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Julia at the family home, Oak Harbor and by four children and their spouses: Dennis and Gidget Terpstra of Shoreline, Wash.; Karen and Ashley Roberts of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Dr. Gregory and Wilma Terpstra of Potosi, Miss.; and Gary and Robbie Terpstra of Chattanooga, Tenn. Grandchildren and their spouses are: Chris and Kristin Terpstra, Carrie and Steve Farsai; Colleen Burke, Julie and Chris Woodall, Nevelle, Shamiea, Kasha and Joel Roberts; Dr. John and Angela Terpstra; Dr. Matt and Miriam Hill; Joe and Sarah Thrash; Tom and Marlene Steinke; Brian, Mark and Amy Terpstra. Great grandchildren are: Talia, Christopher, Stephanie, Nicholas, Jennifer, Saunie, Kaeden, Adrian, Jackson, Blake, Gabrielle, Ryan, Aaron, Lauren, Nelson, Grace, and Juliana. John Terpstra’s sister Jeannette Terpstra is living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents, a sister Dorothy and a brother Larry preceded him in death.

Viewing for John Terpstra will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 21 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Graveside services will follow at 1 p.m. at Fircrest Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Randy Beumer officiating. Memorials may be made to the Oak Harbor Christian School Foundation or the Wycliffe Bible Translators. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.