“A Lifetime of Love, Work, and Family”
When you walk into John and Judy’s apartment at Royal Atrium Inn, you’re not just stepping into a home; you’re stepping into a living scrapbook of a lifetime built from hard work, faith, and deep love. The shelves are lined with mementos from their life in the Netherlands and decades spent raising a family in America. Their story is one of resilience, dedication, and the quiet strength that carries two people across continents and through 65 years of marriage.
John and Judy met in the Netherlands at a dance for boys and girls in their village. “She was sitting behind a pillow watching the dancing,” John recalled with a smile. “She came closer, and we started talking. That’s how it began.”
But their budding romance wasn’t without obstacles. A family friend assisted them in navigating the paperwork and interviews required to move to America. “We went to the embassy, filled out all the papers, and a year later, they said yes. We got married and left for the U.S. by boat.”
They arrived in New York and traveled to Michigan by train, starting from scratch in a new country with little money but endless determination. “We had two suitcases,” John said. “That was our start.”
John took whatever work he could find—from factory jobs to house painting to finishing windows on new builds. “I worked seven days a week, sometimes nights,” he said. “Eventually, I got into remodeling and even earned certificates in plumbing and electrical work.” For 36 years, he worked for a local school, remodeling classrooms and the principal’s office. “I was the only guy there, but I did everything. Sundays too.”
Judy, meanwhile, kept the family running. They raised three children: two daughters who became dental hygienists and a son who now works in finance. “All three went to college,” John said proudly. “That was important to us.”
Their home became a sanctuary, filled with handmade furniture, Dutch antiques, and the warmth of years past. “I built cabinets, flower beds, a sunroom—everything,” he said.
Now at Royal Atrium Inn, they’ve recreated a sense of home with familiar items, photos, and memories. There are Delft tiles and a vintage coffee grinder, wooden shoes, and even a framed photo of the bell tower in their hometown, the one the Germans couldn’t dismantle during WWII.
When asked what he enjoys about living here, John smiled and gestured around the room.
“We’re happy. The staff is kind, we still see Dutch friends, and it’s a comfortable place. I don’t do as much now, but I still tinker.”
The story of John and Judy isn’t just about immigration or hard work—it’s about creating a life of meaning. From forbidden dances to a shared rocking chair by the fire, their journey has been one of deep love, quiet sacrifice, and an enduring partnership.
“We enjoy life,” John said simply. “That’s what matters.”
