John Harold Nieuwendorp

John Harold Nieuwendorp went to be with His Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 2, 2016, 2 days shy of his 89th birthday.  John was one of eight children born to Dick and Hannah (Vander Vorste) Nieuwendorp in Westfield, North Dakota on July 4, 1927. When he was 9 the family moved to Sumas, WA where he grew up and graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 1945. In June 1945 he joined the U.S. Navy to serve in WWII and was honorably discharged in August 1946 as the war ended. He worked at the Bellingham Ship Yard, building mine sweepers, then later worked as a floor covering mechanic, becoming part owner of his own company until retirement in 1989.  He and his wife Karen then became Snowbirds going south for 26 years where he enjoyed golf and the sunshine.  John was a member of Immanuel Bible Church for over 50 years and served on the Board and as an Usher.  He is survived by his wife Karen of 51 years, sons Terry (Faye) Nieuwendorp, Doug (Darlita) Nieuwendorp, daughter Cheryl Mitchell (Marty), sister Kathryn Blankers, brothers Roger Nieuwendorp (Gladys), Rich Nieuwendorp (Carol), brother-in-law’s Ed (Shirley) Bouma, and Rich (Yvonne) Biesheuvel.  John was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Nellie (Nieuwendorp) Staal, Wilma (Nieuwendorp) Bouma, Ada (Nieuwendorp) Biesheuvel, Dolores (Nieuwendorp) Benner, brother-in-law’s Anton Staal, Lawrence Benner, Robert Blankers, son Edward Nieuwendorp and his daughter Bryn.  John leaves many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  A memorial service will be at Immanuel Bible Church, 2000 W North St, Bellingham, WA on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Immanuel Bible Church, 2000 W. North St., Bellingham, WA 98225 or Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225