John G. Vokits' Obituary
Mr. John George Vokits, age 54, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2005 as the result of an automobile accident. John was born December 23, 1950 in Muskegon to John and Georgia (Hickman) Vokits and lived in the area most of his life. John was a veteran of the Maryland National Guard and the U.S. Army having served during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Poultry Science. John was a self-employed entrepreneur. He had worked in Maryland as the Stable Master for Edgewood Arsenal Saddle Club. He also owned and operated D & J Enterprises Used Cars and Auto Body Repair. John spent the winter months in Honduras where he worked as a dive master and underwater photographer. He was a former member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where he had played guitar in the music ministry. SURVIVORS include his father, John J. Vokits of Coopersville; 6 brothers and sisters, Ronald (Pauline) Vokits of Dayton, OH, Donald (Bonnie) Vokits of Fruitport, Michael (Marlene) Vokits of Newaygo, Andrew (Julia) Vokits of Ipsilanti, Frances (Jeffery) Engle of Coopersville, Julie Vokits of Muskegon; 2 special aunts, Velma and Anna Vokits of Muskegon; special friends, Colin and Char DeVries, Tony Blais, and Joe Fodrocy; several aunts, uncles, and 2 generations of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia Vokits. THE FUNERAL LITURGY will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, April 14, 2005 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Robert A. Hart presiding. VISITATION with John’s family will be one hour prior to Mass, 10-11 AM Thursday at the church. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Vision Enrichment Services for Glaucoma Research, 215 Sheldon SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Arrangements handled by the Sytsema Funeral Home, 737 Apple Avenue, (231) 726-5210. Family and friends may sign the guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com
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