1950
John
2016
John Walter Lekkerkerker
November 10, 1950 — July 6, 2016
John Walter Lekkerkerker, "Big John," was called to his eternal home following an accident on his farm on July 6, 2016. He was 65 years old.
He was the second son born to Walt and Nellie Lekkerkerker on November 10, 1950, in Pasadena, California.
His high school "sweetheart" and wife "Glor," five sons, four daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, two sisters, one sister-in-law and their families survive John.
Sons Jeff (Cheryl) Morgan, Brayden and Reagan; Jason (Ceci) Lindsey and Logan; Josh (Katie) Sammy and Julia; John "son"; Jordon (Ashley). Sisters Edie Perna (Vince) and family; Cindy Kamper (Craig) and family. Sister-in-law Patti (Bill) and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Nellie, and older brother Bill.
John and Gloria were married in Paramount, California, in 1972. They took the opportunity to find a better life for their family, and moved with baby Jeff to Enumclaw, Washington, in 1977, where they soon started their own dairy. John and Gloria lived in Enumclaw where they had four more sons, until 1990, when they moved as a family of seven to their present family farm in Monmouth.
Big John took care of his family above all else and never gave up, no matter what the circumstance, whether it was farming through low milk prices or tightening a screw until it broke. Big John taught his five sons the value of hard, honest work by example as they grew up working on the dairy. He worked hard every day of his life and had a natural talent of caring for his cows, not just for production but also for his genuine love of animals. As Big John liked to say, his girls were outstanding in their field. He lived his life the way that he wanted others to, with honesty and integrity and humor. His word was gold and his handshake was as good as a signed contract.
Big John loved his family, and showed his affection by teasing and joking. We will miss the teasing the most and the chuckle. Grandpa/Papa delighted in his grandchildren and made family time a priority. He enjoyed watching his boys play sports and then, as they grew up, watching sports with his boys. Everyone who came out to the farm for one reason or another remembers spending time "shooting the bull" with Big John. He truly made a lasting positive impact on many, and will be missed by all.
Till we meet again at Heaven's Gate.
A celebration of life will be held at the Lekkerkerker Dairy in Monmouth on Saturday, July 16 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in loving memory of John Lekkerkerker to Infusion Church, Attn: Scott DeLeeuw, 7707 W. Felicita Ave., Escondido, CA 92025; Santiam Christian Schools, 7220 N.E. Arnold Ave., Adair Village, OR 97330; or Mario Pastega House, 3505 N.W. Samaritan Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330.
He was the second son born to Walt and Nellie Lekkerkerker on November 10, 1950, in Pasadena, California.
His high school "sweetheart" and wife "Glor," five sons, four daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, two sisters, one sister-in-law and their families survive John.
Sons Jeff (Cheryl) Morgan, Brayden and Reagan; Jason (Ceci) Lindsey and Logan; Josh (Katie) Sammy and Julia; John "son"; Jordon (Ashley). Sisters Edie Perna (Vince) and family; Cindy Kamper (Craig) and family. Sister-in-law Patti (Bill) and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Nellie, and older brother Bill.
John and Gloria were married in Paramount, California, in 1972. They took the opportunity to find a better life for their family, and moved with baby Jeff to Enumclaw, Washington, in 1977, where they soon started their own dairy. John and Gloria lived in Enumclaw where they had four more sons, until 1990, when they moved as a family of seven to their present family farm in Monmouth.
Big John took care of his family above all else and never gave up, no matter what the circumstance, whether it was farming through low milk prices or tightening a screw until it broke. Big John taught his five sons the value of hard, honest work by example as they grew up working on the dairy. He worked hard every day of his life and had a natural talent of caring for his cows, not just for production but also for his genuine love of animals. As Big John liked to say, his girls were outstanding in their field. He lived his life the way that he wanted others to, with honesty and integrity and humor. His word was gold and his handshake was as good as a signed contract.
Big John loved his family, and showed his affection by teasing and joking. We will miss the teasing the most and the chuckle. Grandpa/Papa delighted in his grandchildren and made family time a priority. He enjoyed watching his boys play sports and then, as they grew up, watching sports with his boys. Everyone who came out to the farm for one reason or another remembers spending time "shooting the bull" with Big John. He truly made a lasting positive impact on many, and will be missed by all.
Till we meet again at Heaven's Gate.
A celebration of life will be held at the Lekkerkerker Dairy in Monmouth on Saturday, July 16 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in loving memory of John Lekkerkerker to Infusion Church, Attn: Scott DeLeeuw, 7707 W. Felicita Ave., Escondido, CA 92025; Santiam Christian Schools, 7220 N.E. Arnold Ave., Adair Village, OR 97330; or Mario Pastega House, 3505 N.W. Samaritan Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Walter Lekkerkerker, please visit our flower store.
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