John A. Vonk

John Anthony Vonk, Jr passed away on January 9, 2023. He was born on January 24, 1941 to John and Helen (Peterson) Vonk in Grand Rapids Michigan. He attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and graduated from Western Michigan University with his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Ellen (Petie) Steenstra on August 22, 1963. John served in the Marine Corps from June of 1958 to April of 1962. He was honorably discharged due to injuries he suffered in a car accident which caused him great pain through his entire life. He continued work on his master’s degree and began teaching at Grand Valley State College. In 1972, he earned his Ph.D. and moved to Greeley, CO where he began his teaching career at the University of Northern Colorado. He taught Sociology for 30 years and was a favorite professor and colleague to many. John’s faith in God directed his life and set the values for raising his family. He was active in his church through various ministries and Sunday School classes. He served as an Elder. He volunteered for many years at the Weld Food Bank and the Greeley Freight Station Museum. He served on the board of education at Valley School District RE-1 and spent many hours watching his children participate in their school activities. In the early 2000s, John spent three weeks in Pakistan advocating for the rights of young girls to be able to attend school. John’s hobbies included playing golf, riding his Harley Davidson, fishing, and working on model railroad projects with his son Joey. He enjoyed camping and going to Blues festivals in New Orleans and the Greeley Blues Jam. John loved to watch sports including football, basketball, baseball and golf, but he really loved hockey. He was a loyal Broncos, Rockies and Avalanche fan, but he especially loved the University of Michigan Wolverines (GO BLUE!). John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Petie, his daughters Jennifer Bauer, Julie (Ted) Hart, Jacqui (Jake) Matthews and son Joey (Jen) Vonk. He is survived by grandchildren Cody, John, Kady, Ellie, Addison and Jacobie. John is also survived by his sister Lois (Ike) VanRees, his In-laws Marilyn (Bob) Ebels, Roger (Jan) Steenstra, Dave (Linda) Steenstra, Norm Schalk and Ethel Steenstra along with many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Helen Vonk, his in laws John and Juella Steenstra, his sisters in law Judy Schalk and Hazel Dunn and his brother-in-law Herman Steenstra. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on February 11, 2023 at Cornerstone Community church in Greeley with a brief reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Weld Food Bank.

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John A. Vonk

January 24, 1941 - January 9, 2023