John H. Reurink

John ReurinkAge 70, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, John Henry Reurink died on March 22, 2012, following a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on April 11, 1941, John was a retired state government executive.  After retirement, John joined his son, John, at Michigan Information & Research Service (MIRS news.com) as co-owner and chairman.

During his long career with state government, John worked in the Budget Office of former Gov. George Romney, as a deputy director of the Michigan Department of Commerce under Govs. William Milliken and James Blanchard, and an associate Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Michigan Department of Education during the administration of Gov. John Engler.

An avid photographer, John loved to travel with his wife, golf and spend time with his children and grandchildren.

John is survived by: daughter, Laurie Mwakanandi and her husband, Cowen; son, John T. Reurink and his wife, Michelle; and daughter, Amanda Robertson. Also surviving John are his sisters, Patricia Hoeksema and her husband, Glenn, and Darlene Timmer and her husband, Rich; and grandchildren, Olivia and John Mwakanandi and LaTesha and Mariah Robertson, many nieces and nephews and great grandson, Da ‘Quanta Robertson.

John was preceded in death last year by his father, John; his mother, Clarissa; and his loving wife, Mary Lou.

Visitation will be held at Estes Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 29, 2012, with a service at River Terrace Church, 1509 River Terrace Dr., East Lansing, at 11 a.m. Fri., March 30.    Memorial contributions may be made to River Terrace Church Christian Education or Greater Lansing Food Bank.

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10 Messages to “John H. Reurink

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Debbie Nathan
March 24, 2012 at 5:53 pm

So sorry to read of the loss of your dad, John. It appears that there has been much loss in your family this past year, I’m so sorry. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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Doug Drake
March 24, 2012 at 8:45 pm

John, my sincere condolences. As you know, I knew and enjoyed working with your dad over the years. He was a class guy. Please call if there is any thing you need help with in the coming days and weeks (I’ve recently gone thru this with a parent and an in-law).

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Barbara Piernas
March 25, 2012 at 6:11 pm

My sincere condolences to your family upon the loss of your loved one. Your father was a gift from God and a blessing to those that embraced his wisdom and knowledge. My daughter is a product of his love and fatherly advise as well as taking her in as one of his own children. She learned a world of things while employed at MIRS. I will continue to keep your family lifted up in prayers as you walk through Psalm 23. I pray you embrace the Holy Spirit and he brings you comfort in these coming days and weeks.

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Debbie (Koonter) Easterday
March 25, 2012 at 7:31 pm

Laurie – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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Mark A Sharples
March 28, 2012 at 7:15 am

John,

We were sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mark, Laura and Victoria

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Kay Ramroth
March 28, 2012 at 8:53 am

To all of John Sr’s family – My sincerest sympathy in the loss of your Dad and grandfather. It was my great pleasure to have worked with John at the Dept of Commerce as well as Education. Carl and I enjoyed the company of he and Mary Lou many times over a shared meal – even out in California at one of their time share exchanges! He and I had a wonderful visit last fall. His Grand Ledge backyard was such a joy to him. We especially enjoyed looking over photo albums showing his whole family and of course his favorite nature shots. He will be greatly missed, but always held close in memory. I am sorry not to be able to be in Michigan to attend his services. Again, my deepest sympathies,

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Jan and Larry Rosen
March 29, 2012 at 8:20 am

John,
We were so sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. Jan and I always enjoyed our talks with John, Sr. and Mary Lou, and he will be missed. Please let us know if we can be of any help to you and Michelle during this sad time.

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Mike Botke
March 30, 2012 at 7:50 am

Dear John and Michelle and your entire family:

On behalf of everyone here at Teen Court, Juvenile Justice Division of Child And Family Charities, we send to you and your family members our condolences, thoughts and prayers for your loss.

Mike Botke, Director

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Susan Zimmerman
April 1, 2012 at 8:25 pm

It was a privilege to know John. Such a kind and wise man!
He will be missed. I am sorry for your family’s loss: it’s certainly been
a difficult year with loss of Cowen’s father, and Laurie and John’s father, John, as well as your mother and grandparents. May you
find the strength and energy needed for your own mourning and healing.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

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Marunia Khuoge
October 8, 2016 at 12:53 pm

Great men always leave a legacy behind.

John H L did.
Always remembered.

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