John Anthony Neuhaus

John Anthony Neuhaus, 82, of Grand Haven, passed peacefully on August 14, 2019 after a sudden illness. He was born on April 11, 1937 in Grand Rapids, MI to Francis and Marie (Keating) Neuhaus.

He graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1955. John was a proud Spartan alumnus of Michigan State University and received his doctorate degree in higher education from Nova University.

He dedicated his entire career in community colleges where he felt he could have the greatest impact in education. John began in college administration at Prince George's Community College in Maryland, continued for many years at William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, IL, and concluded as President of Morton College in Cicero, IL where he worked for 21 years.

Following his retirement in 2002, John redirected his passion for life and active curiosity into another fulfilling chapter. After living in the heart of the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago for many years, John and Pat returned to Grand Haven, Michigan where they both previously spent their high school years and reprised a full social calendar with lifelong friends.

Throughout his life, John was both a gentleman and a gentle man.  He loved spending time on the front porch of his beloved cottage, swimming in Lake Michigan, creating an array of woodworking projects, traveling extensively with Pat, attending sporting events and golfing with buddies, reading well-written The New Yorker articles, walking Rosy Mound Natural Area trails, enjoying a high-quality single malt Scotch or German beer, and making popcorn for his grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Emily (Kevin) Kooistra and Celeste Neuhaus; step-daughters, Erin (Todd) Nisson and Caroline (Dave) Redeker; step-son, Tim (Jane) Otley; sister, Katie Thibodeau; grandchildren, Jocelyn and Nathan; and step-grandchildren, Amy, Rachel, Kirk, Rebecca, Samantha, and Thomas; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. John was preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Patricia White, Nancy Neuhaus, and Frances Ferguson. 

A private celebration of life memorial for immediate family and friends will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honor John’s life may make a donation to Ottawa County Parks Foundation- Michigan. 

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