Johnnie E. De Jong, 89, of Sully, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 25, 2020, at Hospice of Pella Comfort House following recent hip fractures and con-tributing health issues. Family committal service with military honors was Monday, Nov. 30, at Sully Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at Sully First Reformed Church. Memorial contributions may be designated for Sully First Reformed Church Building Fund.
Johnnie E. De Jong was the son of Everett C. and Allie (De Cook) De Jong. He was born on his parents’ farm near Sully on May 24, 1931, and graduated from the Chester Country School. At the age of 18 years, he made profession of his faith at Sully First Reformed Church where he remained a faithful member for the remainder of his life of 89 years. Johnnie was drafted into the United States Army in May 1952 and served with the 38th Infantry in the 2nd Division Indian Head during the Korean War. July 29, 1952, he and Delia Adrianna Van Kooten were united in marriage at Sully Christian Reformed Church, and to this union, four sons were born: Bryce John, Bryan Eugene, Brent Dean, and Brad Lee. Following his discharge, Johnnie farmed on the same farm where he was born three miles south of Sully. In addition to farming, he was a part-time truck driver. In 1995, Johnnie and Delia moved into Sully. He never knew a stranger, and if he did, they became acquainted with his outgoing friendly personality. He was very interested in the family. He loved each one, and they were all special to him. One of the highlights in his life was a trip to Greece.
He is survived by his wife, Delia, currently living in Pella; and their four sons and their families: Bryce De Jong of Oskaloosa, Bryan (Carna) De Jong of Lynnville, Brent (Sandy) De Jong of Sully, and Brad (Stacy) De Jong of Pella. Johnnie also leaves his sister, Wanda (Tom) Stangl of Pella and Mesa, AZ; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Cornelia (Van Kooten) and Charlie Jansen of Grand Rapids, MI, Delmer and Wilma Van Kooten of Pella, Norma (Van Kooten) and Carroll Harthoorn, Edward and Judy Van Kooten, all of Sully, and Lois (the late Clarence Van Kooten) Van Wyk of Pella.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Clazina and her husband Harold Hoksbergen, his brother-in-law Warren De Prenger, his parents-in-law Cornelius and Jennie (Dieleman) Van Kooten, and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Henry and Virginia Van Kooten, Jean (Van Kooten) and Kenneth Vos, Ida (Van Kooten) and Alberthus Harsselaar, Clarence Van Kooten, Daniel Van Kooten, and Norman Van Wyk.
