John Dobben "Dob" Sieplinga's Obituary
Mr. John Dobben Sieplinga, age 90, went home to his Lord and Savior, Friday, November 20, 2009, at his home. Dob was born July 22, 1919 to Harry and Helen (Dobben) Sieplinga in Muskegon Heights. He served his country in the US Army Infantry during WWII. On September 4, 1947 he married the former Gay Agatha Wolffis. He was employed by the Michigan Employment Security Commission for 35 years before his retirement. Dob was a longtime member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church where he served as Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Superintendant and was also a youth leader. He was a very active member of the community serving as a member of the Muskegon Y’s Club, a Youth for Christ board member, a volunteer for Hospice of Muskegon/Oceana, and Hackley Hospital. The youth of Muskegon greatly benefitted from Dob’s mentoring through Nelson, Marquette and Angel School’s H.O.S.T. programs. He was also a member of the McLaughlin Neighborhood Association. Dob is SURVIVED by his beloved wife of 62 years, Gay; 5 children, David John Sieplinga of Muskegon, Douglas John (Donna) Sieplinga of Grand Rapids, Darlene Helen (Thomas) Neidlinger of Marshall, Daryl John (Marie) Sieplinga of Caledonia, and Dawn Kay (Don) Penniman of Grand Rapids; 16 grandchildren, Bree (David Luke) Sieplinga, Drew Sieplinga, Kira (Harland) Holman, Andrew Neidlinger, Jenna (Greig) Hess, Kari (Matthew) Dykhouse, Catherine Neidlinger, Joel (Renee) Sieplinga, Pujita Sieplinga, Kelli Sieplinga, Elizabeth Neidlinger, Anton (Jennifer) Sieplinga, Anjali Sieplinga, Zack Penniman, Marc Neidlinger, and Ana Penniman; 6 great grandchildren; 1 brother, Howard (Leah) Sieplinga of Muskegon; 2 sisters-in-law, Jean Wolffis and Doris Wolffis; and many nieces and nephews. Dob was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, JessIe VanVoorthuysen. A CELEBRATION OF DOB’S LIFE will be held 1PM Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Bethany Christian Reformed Church, 1105 Terrace St., with Rev. Marvin Beelen officiating. VISITATION will be Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue 231 726-5210 and 1 hour prior to the celebration (Noon-1PM) at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Christian Reformed Church. Share memories with Dob’s family at their on-line guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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