John Henry Kornoelje

John H. Kornoelje, 82, of Battle Creek, MI died at Bronson Battle Creek on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, after a major stoke the week prior.

John was born February 8, 1932 in Grand Rapids, MI to Frederick and Theresa (VanDemere) Kornoelje. He attended Battle Creek Central High School, where he played sports. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1952 and was honorably discharged in July 1960. John was employed by the Kellogg Company for 11 years and then for Brutsche Vault Company, until retiring as shop foreman after 40 years.

John married Vena Marie Wise April 5, 1958. He was preceded in death by Marie on December 15, 2009. Surviving are a daughter, Theresa (Frank) Schumacher and a son, John (Eloise) Kornoelje, Jr. of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Nicole (Ryan) Snyder, Tara Schumacher, Jessica Hall, Cassandra Hall, and John Andrew (Meika) Kornoelje; great-grandchildren, Hunter M. Snyder, Danile Hall, Lillyan Burlew, Audrie Hall, Andrean Courtwright, Suvannah Budreau, Jasmine Hall and another due in October; sisters, Katherine Spear, Eleanor Hagen, Florence (Joe) Wright; brothers, Jim (Caroline) Kornoelje and David Kornoelje. In addition to his wife, Marie, John was also preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Fred, Frank and Bob.

John was a member of the Battle Creek Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. In his younger years, John played sports and over the years he spent a lot of time at Bailey Park and throughout the area coaching and watching baseball games. John had a remarkable memory and could spin a great story. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch watching traffic and people go by, hunting and bowling and loved spending time with his family.

Memorial services will be officiated by Rev. Robert G. Muirhead at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, where Military honors will provided by Ft. Custer Honor Guard and the U.S. Army 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2014. Inurnment with his wife, Marie will follow services at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. A luncheon will be held for family and friends following services at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Personal messages or special remembrances for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.