John Theodore Malestein, Jr, age 75, died unexpectedly on August 20, 2024, at Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids.
He was born in Grand Rapids on March 22, 1949, to Reverend John and Thelma Malestein, and was the oldest of their seven children. He lived in various places in his childhood due to his father’s career as a minister. He met and married his wife, Barbara Jean, back in Grand Rapids, on September 10, 1971. They had three sons, Bradley, Jarod and Justin, and he was a loyal and steadfast husband and father until the very end.
He searched for his true calling over many years, eventually finishing his college degree at Aquinas, having discovered his knack and passion for computers. This he turned into a career in systems programming and administration, ending with a long tenure at Steelcase, from which he retired in 2015.
John kept himself active in subsequent years in various ways. He was a devoted grandfather, taking them to many fun places, and out to restaurants to enjoy their favorite foods. He traveled within the United States with his wife, and went abroad to Scotland and Italy with Justin, and worked as a van driver part time at HCAT to transport disabled people to hospital and doctor appointments.
His interests throughout his life included golf, being a passionate and analytical Detroit Lions fan, and listening to classical music, especially while driving. The one exception to this is when his van passengers requested something else–then, he would smile and change it to the station of their choice.
He is survived by his wife, Barb (nee Timmer); sons, Bradley (Lan), Jarod (Laurie) and Dr. Justin Malestein; and beloved grandchildren, Isaac, James, Keegan, Ferris, Apollo and Lilith. He is also survived by his sister, Gail (Dave) Bos; brothers Phil (Nancie), Steve (Karen), Mark (Elisa); as well as his in-laws, John Timmer, Jim and Karen Duthler, Richard and Sandy Garneau, and Bill and Bonnie Fleetham; along with many nieces and nephews; and grand nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Rev. John and Thelma Malestein; brother, Eric and; sister, Merrie Makowski.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 12pm – 4pm at Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blue Lake Public Radio or Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center.
One Response
I will miss him.