Klaas "John" Jan Werkema

WERKEMA – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).   Peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, Klaas Jan (John) Werkema passed to his Heavenly Father’s glory.  Beloved husband of the late Catharina Werkema (nee Meyer) 2009, Predeceased by an infant daughter 1953.  Loving father of Frank and Annette Werkema of Embro, Nelly Vanderby of Kelowna, BC, John W. and Betty-Anne Werkema of Woodstock, and Diana and Casper Rekman of Sarnia.  John was greatly loved by his grandchildren, Kevin and April Werkema, Michelle and Darryl Knaap, Laura and Phil Wilpstra, Jennifer and Brian Wilpstra, Art and Carli Vanderby, Catrina and Billy Fulton, Nicole Tourigny, Mark and Marlene Werkema, Steven and Karen Werkema, Kristen Werkema, Kyle and Amanda Werkema, Michael and Steph Werkema, Cass and Jason Brunner, Matthew and Lilly Rekman, Tracy and Will Sumner and Rob and Leisha Rekman.  Also 37 Great Grandchildren were a joy and blessing to John.   He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Hennie (Jap), in Holland.

Born September 17, 1925 in the Netherlands, John married Catharina Meyer on June 14, 1951, immigrated to Canada in 1954, settling in the Woodstock area.

Family and friends will be received at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, on Friday, August 4 from 6-9pm.  The memorial service will be held at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 735 Frontenac Cres., Woodstock on Saturday, August 5 at 2pm, with Rev. Greg Bylsma officiating.  A private family interment will be held at Oxford Memorial Park Cemetery.  The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all the staff and management at Cedarview Residence – John was a longtime resident and greatly enjoyed his years there.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Bible Society or the Woodstock General Hospital would be appreciated.