Ivan J. Wolterstorff

Ivan Jacob Wolterstorff, age 75, of Grand Rapids Township passed away peacefully of heart failure on Sunday April 23, 2017 at his home.  Mr. Wolterstorff was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Jennie (nee Hanenburg) Wolterstorff and granddaughter Harper Sturniolo.  He is  survived by his wife of 40 years Patricia (nee Murphy) Wolterstorff; Children, Shawn (Carla) Wolterstorff, Heidi (Todd) Sturniolo, Matthew (Jessica) Wolterstorff; grandchildren, Cameron, Kyle, Brandon, Paige, Piper, Amelia and Graeham; brothers, Nicholas (Claire) and Cornelius (Leola) Wolterstorff; sisters, Henrietta Hamersma, Joanne (Robert) Yonker; sister in law, Nancy Murphy; brother in law, Kevin (Rosemary) Murphy; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He is also survived by his Uncle Ted (Jeanette) Hanenburg and Aunt Clara Koegler.  

Ivan was raised  in Edgerton, MN and graduated from Southwestern Christian High School and Kendall School of Design.  He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid sportsman.  Ivan was an accomplished craftsman of wood, leather and stone.  His roots gave him a strong appreciation of the Native American Culture and western art.  In Ivan’s memory, contributions are suggested to the Franciscan Life Process Center 11650 Downes Street NE Lowell, MI 49331-9489 or St. Joseph’s Indian School PO Box 200 Chamberlain, SD 57325-0200.  

The family would like to expressly thank Sr. Ann Michael Farnsworth, OP for her visits and pastoral care.  In addition they would like to also acknowledge their heartfelt gratitude towards Jim March R.N., and the Spectrum Health Hospice team, especially Melissa Lowing R.N., for their tenderness and care.  

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27 at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, 6477 Ada Dr. S.E. with Fr. Leonard Sudlik as Celebrant.  The family will greet friends on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

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