John M. Fellema

John M. Fellema, age 91 of Wayne, NJ, went to be with the Lord early Monday, August 19, 2024. His family and friends were able to visit him before he passed and assure him of how much he was loved and appreciated.

John was born to Milton and Sadie Fellema of North Haledon, NJ on May 31, 1933, and when his mother passed at an early age, his stepmother Anne helped to raise him. He was the oldest of two brothers; Peter and Robert Fellema, previously deceased. John graduated from Eastern Academy with the Class of 1951. He served with the US Army from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed in Panama. 

John met the love of his life, Janet Van Loon at a wedding of mutual friends. They married on June 20, 1959 and settled in Wayne, NJ where they have resided for 64 years. John and Janet were blessed with four children: David Fellema of Wantage, Laurie Sokalski of Hackettstown, Debbie Jones of Apex, NC, and Steven Fellema of Clifton. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 20th of this year, and are known for their devotion to each other and a love that many never find – their children never remember them even having an argument! John & Janet became loving grandparents to Michael Fellema, Steven Sokalski, and Tara Paterson and great-grandparents to Amelia Fellema and Ryle, Jane, and Abel Paterson.

John worked as a milkman with Becker Dairy and Stokes Dairy for many years and then as a house painter with Dykman & Dykman. John was a hard worker to a fault and valued for his dedication to every job that he held over the years. In his spare time, John was an avid gardener and loved to work in the yard tending to his flowers. He also loved to read and could always be found in his chair dozing over a good book or his bible. 

John was a faithful member of Preakness Valley United Reformed Church for 60 years, serving as deacon and on many committees. He treasured the Christian community and friendships in the church and loved to attend all of their functions with Janet at his side. 

John also leaves behind cherished family members: Esther Van Loon, Margaret and Ray Bangma, Amy Fellema, Claire Fellema, and his many nieces and nephews. His family and friends will always remember him as a quiet, kind man who loved God. 

Any donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Preakness Valley United Reformed Church, 480 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.