John Vreugdenhil, 83, of New Holland, SD passed away Monday, May 5, 2014 at the Platte Health Center in Platte, SD. Funeral Services are 10:30 A.M. Saturday May 10, 2014 at the New Holland Christian Reformed Church. A Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at the New Holland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 7:00 P.M. Friday, May 9, 2014 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service. Memorials in Johns honor may be directed to: Dakota Christian School Building Fund, 37614 SD Hwy 44, Corsica, SD 57328 or Saint Andrew School, Beyond the Walls, 1710 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613.

John Dale Vreugdenhil was born on December 3, 1930 to Gerrit and Nellie (Bok) Vreugdenhil in Douglas County, SD. He attended country school and went on to serve in the US Navy. Following his service, he relocated to Illinois where he continued his education and became a Mechanical Engineer in the Sanitation industry.

On January 10, 1959 John was united in marriage to Helen Chesnowicz in Chicago, IL. From this union three children were born: Steven, Gail and Lisa. They were together until Helens passing in February of 1995. John was a member of the Lombard Christian Reformed Church in Lombard, IL, volunteered at the local food pantry and was an usher for the Chicago Cubs. In 1998 he moved back to South Dakota.

John was united in marriage to Lorena Overweg on July 10, 1998 in New Holland, SD. He was a member of the New Holland Christian Reformed Church, a member of the Corsica Everson-Beukelman American Legion Post #274, served as Treasurer of the New Holland Cemetery Burial Association and was involved with making Book of Hope Bracelets.

He enjoyed attending Bible studies and building bird houses, loved the challenge of fixing things and was a clock connoisseur. John was always a farmer at heart and will be remembered as a concerned and loving father and grandfather.

Grateful for having shared in Johns life: his wife, Lorena Vreugdenhil of New Holland, SD; his three children: Steven (Mary) Vreugdenhil, Gail (Brian) Neil-Vreugdenhil and Lisa Vreugdenhil all of Chicago, IL; six grandchildren: Ashley, Tyler and Cristin Flood, Jennifer Keane, Michael and Jonathan Neil; four step children: Kim (Ken) Lieuwen of Platte, SD, Jody (Dan) Niewenhuis of Corsica, SD, Marty (Carol) Overweg of New Holland, SD and Carmen (Steve) Thompson of Harrisburg, SD; 19 step grandchildren; 13 step great-grandchildren; four siblings: William (Albertha) Vreugdenhil of Corsica, SD, Virgil (Dorothy) Vreugdenhil of Stickney, SD, Bertha (Bob) Groeneweg of Anchorage, AK and Garry (Linda) Vreugdenhil of Concord, NC; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by: his wife, Helen; his parents; a brother, Arlo; an infant sister, Loretta; a grandson, Daniel Neil; a step son, Tony Overweg; and two step grandchildren: Daniel Lieuwen and Marlee Niewenhuis.