John William Atherton, age 83, of West Olive, passed away in Holland on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at a local care facility. He was born on October 4, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late William and Karin (Rathert) Atherton. John married Janice Dracht on January 22, 1966, in Muncie, Indiana.

John graduated from high school and attended Michigan State University. He was former owner and operator of Sandy Point Restaurant for many years and was a member of the Big Pine Ridge Reservation (RE-Member) in South Dakota where he would bring wood for and assist in making bunkbeds.

John was an avid outdoorsman who loved golfing, fishing, and traveling. He was also a history buff, avid reader, and big MSU sports fan.

John will be forever remembered and missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Janice; three sisters: Pam Kamphuis, Sandy Ledbetter, and Jennifer (Dan) Schuitema; his brother, Richard "Dick" Atherton; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Atherton; sister-in-law, Barb Atherton; and brother-in-law, Ronald Kamphuis.

The Funeral Service for John will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Bytwerk officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Re-Member www.re-member.org.

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