John William Tjoelker, of Quincy, born September 16, 1934, in Everson, WA to Peter and Anna (Oordt) Tjoelker passed away on December 28, 2022. He was the fourth child of nine children and worked on the family farm until joining the Army in 1957. He served until 1959 acquiring his GED but never straying far from Fort Lewis, WA. He married Maxine Louise Lenssen on March 20, 1959, she preceded him in death in 2021.

They moved to Quincy, WA in 1961 where he built their home and their farm. They raised replacement heifers, alfalfa, wheat, sileage corn and for awhile apples. John also did carpentry work in the off season. They retired after 40 years, selling the farm to their son. John continued woodworking in retirement by building more than 20,000 toys that he donated to orphanages and missions throughout the world. He enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica in the evenings.

John was a charter member of the Quincy Christian Reformed Church where he served as elder, deacon, and cadet counselor.

John is survived by his children, Dennis (Adel) Tjoelker of Quincy, Sheryl (Bert) Van Andel of Michigan and Ken (Kori) Tjoelker of Moses Lake. Grandchildren, Tom (Karli), Emma (Hunter), Sam, step grandchildren, Shawn, Andrea (Paul), Ryan and Adam (Kiffen). He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Madison, Danica, Wyatt, Razel, Christopher, Dexan, Lena and Aiden.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Quincy Valley Historical Barn.
Please leave a memory for the family or sign the guestbook at www.scharbachs.com.
Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, is assisting the family with arrangements.