John Wyn's Obituary
John Wyn, age 93, passed peacefully Tuesday evening, July 30, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born May 6, 1931, in Muskegon, MI, and was a life-long resident and enthusiastic supporter of his city.
John was a devoted husband, gentle father, doting grandfather, and loyal friend. He was a quiet man, unless you wanted to talk about his beloved Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Tigers, or his grandchildren. He was a solid and principled man, who lived and loved without attracting attention, preferring actions to words.
John graduated from Muskegon High School in 1949 where he was a basketball and baseball standout, known for his speed, sports IQ, and athleticism. He attended Muskegon Community College where he continued to excel athletically. He attended Michigan State University until drafted into the Korean War. Upon his return, he hit a home run, meeting Yvonne. They married in 1957. In later years Yvonne was his caring, devoted, and tireless caregiver.
John worked for 36 years at the same company, where he was known for his pleasant demeanor and strong work ethic; never taking a sick day. Both he and Yvonne were blessed to enjoy their retirement lives for nearly as long as they worked, spending 25-plus years wintering in Florida with their close-knit group of lifelong friends. There, they enjoyed golf, tennis, and happy hours, sprinkling in many wonderful trips and cruises. John’s true vocation was being Papa to his four grandchildren and their spouses. They brought him a new level of joy and fulfillment. Together with Yvonne, he never missed a game, concert, or event of any kind. He was a life-long member of the Christian Reformed Church, serving in leadership roles in his younger years.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Yvonne (née Langlois); daughter, Paula Recknagel (Andrew BeDell) of Ann Arbor, MI; grandchildren, John Recknagel, MD (Anjana Kumar, MD) of Durham, NC, Andrew Recknagel of Los Angeles, CA, Maxwell Recknagel, PhD (Alana Hollis, DDS) of Saginaw, MI, and Kathryn Wyn Recknagel of Grand Rapids, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Katherine Wyn; a dear daughter, Catherine Ann; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth (Jim) Carlisle and Harriet (Arnold) Bartels.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Calvin Church (973 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441). VISITATION with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service. The service will also be livestreamed on the Calvin Church YouTube channel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calvin Church Building Fund. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444). To share special memories with the family, please visit www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
