John Seylhower

Mr. John Seylhower, age 93 of Grand Haven passed away January 16, 2016 at a local nursing home.  John was born October 4, 1922 in The Hague, Netherlands to the late Jacobus and Marghretaa  (Vander Heyden) Seylhower.  He moved to this area 55 years ago from Europe.  John was the former owner of Dee-Lite Restaurant in downtown Grand Haven for many years, where he was joined by his family working the business each and every day.  Prior to that he was manager of Tally the Bar in  the Rowe Hotel, Grand Rapids after which time he became manager  for 4 ½ years at the Elks in Grand Haven.  John was a busy man with his business, but, he always found time to be an active member of many bands providing all types of music in the West Michigan area playing percussion.  He played 41 years in the Scottville Clown Band and served as president for two years.  John also played in the “Boys of the Neighborhood” band, the Zeeland Community Band, Prevailing Winds Band and many other bands in the West Michigan area. He was a member of the American Legion, Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge.  John is survived by his loving family; wife, Carolyn (Carrie), children; Jodi (Matt) Johnston, Jonnie (Dave) Heyboer, Kristen (Christopher) Vander Hoff, Michael (Patty) Bills and Jason (Bernice) Seylhower.  10 grandchildren; Sebastiaan Brands, Erin Harrington, Casey Bills, Adam Bills, DJ Dempsey, Matthew Dempsey, Nicholas Heyboer, Stephen Heyboer, Jaynie Seylhower, & Noelle Vander Hoff.  He was preceded in death by daughter, Madeline Brands; granddaughter; Meagan Bills, sisters; Jacoba Kormendi & Maria Van Den Hoek and brother, Noel Seylhower.  A Memorial Gathering for John will be 5—8 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the Elks Lodge, Third & Franklin in Grand Haven. Memorial Contributions to Hospice of North Ottawa or the Scottville Clown Band. Please visit www.klaaassenfuneralhome.com  to sign John’s on-line guest book.  Arrangements by Klaassen Family Funeral Home.