VAN ELSWYK: John Jacob of Exeter
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On July 11, 2026 @ 10:30 AM In Exeter, Obituary | 24 Comments
Peacefully surrounded by the love of his family in his 87th year, John Jacob Van Elswyk went home to be in the arms of Jesus on Wednesday July 8, 2026. John is the beloved husband of Jessie Van Elswyk of 66 years. Loved father of Ron Van Elswyk (Kari), Carol Kelly (Joe), Lisa Snider (Ernie), Paula Olfert (Tim), Krista Cirone (Frank) and James Van Elswyk (Gunilla); Cherished grandfather of Kristyn (Bruce); Jennifer (Steve), Jesslyn (Chester), Julianne, Matthew; Linda (Andrew), Joshua (Melissa), Aaron (Becky); Candace (Tyson), Karlee (Tony), Miranda (Tyler); Andrew (Jade), Ben (Whitley), Isaak (Victoria), Anikka; and Simon. Proud great grandfather of 41 great grandchildren. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Anne Duivestyn (Brian), Marianne Koudys (Bill), Willie Radinovic (Don), Nel Van Elswyk, and Tony Curic. Predeceased by their daughter Sandra, his parents Peter and Jeanettje Van Elswyk, brothers Jacob Van Elswyk, Kees Van Elswyk (Hennie), and sisters Marie Hoogendoorn (Joop), and Margaret Curic.
John was born in Hazerswoude, Netherlands. As a young boy his family immigrated to Canada. John met the love of his life, Jessie and they married in 1959. John worked mainly at the Martin Drain Tile yard in Wallenstein as a heavy equipment operator. John was a man deeply rooted in his faith, guided by his love for Christ and a steadfast devotion to his family that shaped every aspect of his life. Above all else, he cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with those he loved most.
Through years of selfless dedication to others, John touched countless lives and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He brought warmth, kindness, and humour to every interaction, and he had a remarkable gift for making people laugh. His unwavering faith was the foundation of his life, and he was known by all as a true man of God whose love, compassion, and example inspired those around him.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER, on Tuesday, July 14th, from 5 – 7 PM, where John’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 15th, at 12 PM, with visitation from 11 – 11:45 AM. Interment Exeter Cemetery.
As we gather to celebrate his life, we will also be celebrating what would have been his birthday. In keeping with his spirit, the family invites everyone to dress casually and comfortably as we come together to share memories, laughter, and stories in his honour.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
The family wishes to thank the staff at the South Huron Hospital and the Blue Water Rest Home for the care, love and support for John the past several years. The doctors, nurses, PSWs and all his favourites.
Donations can be made in John’s memory to Compassion Canada, would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “VAN ELSWYK: John Jacob of Exeter”
One of the greatest joys in my lifetime was to know John. We had many long talks about our Lord and he taught me so much about living in the Spirit. The VanElswyk family is awesome!!!
So glad John is home with his Lord. See you soon my friend.
Jesse and Family
Our deepest sympathies for you in this time John is at home with his Lord and Saviour yet it’s difficult for those left behind
Clara and I last visited with him about two weeks ago and he expressed his anticipation of Jesse getting an apartment close to him he was so concerned for her well being we spoke about his love for Jesus as well and we had a wonderful time of prayer with him so enjoyed working with John on the board at Emmanuel and he taught me much about faith and joy and being filled with the Spirit. We will miss him much but look forward to seeing him again in eternity
Love you all
Tony and Clara Vanderlaan
Jesse and Family
My deepest condolences to all of you . I am so grateful that along the road of life I met John, and Jesse as well. Two of the most loving people I know with incredibly big hearts. I know it is very difficult to say goodbye for now, however I know you are comforted in knowing he is now with Jesus
Love Christina
Sorry to hear..Our condolences
Dear Jessie and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of John. May the Lord be your comfort and strength at this time. We will remember John as a man of deep faith , and as a prayer warrior and friend. We are grateful for the friendship with John and Jessie over many years at Emmanuel. We know that He is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.
Sorry for your loss. I went to school with James at Riverside Public School, Elmira.
Carol, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. You will miss him so much. May our God comfort you, your Mom, and family. Your Dad has arrived and he is rejoicing. We are praying for you. Karl and Jannie
We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We were privileged to have had them as neighbours for many years. So many chats and time spent together that we deeply cherish. John and Jessie were always so complimentary of our children, as they watched they grow up from young children to adults. We all have many fond memories of our lives together here at the south end of Exeter. Rest in peace dear John. Much love from Dan and Donna and family.
Our condolences to the family. He is is in a better place now.
Jessie and family
Sincere sympathy. John was a Godly man and will be missed by many.
Praying God’s peace, comfort and joy surround each of you
I’m brought to tears reading this, John, thank you for guiding me through one of the toughest moments of my life with the headstone. Meeting you both has left a positive and lasting impact with fond memories of your kindness and friendship. Wishing you comfort, peace, and strength as you remember the many wonderful memories you shared. Your bond was evident – he loved you SO much Jessie. Rest in sweet peace dear John. Xo
Dear Van Elswyk family,
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
What a blessing he was to all of you, and to all who had the privilege of spending time in his company. He will be greatly missed.
We remember him as a gentle, kind, compassionate man who deeply loved the Lord, and desired all to know his Lord and saviour as their own.
May the love of God surround you, give you peace, comfort and strength, and fill your hearts with love for one another during this time of sorrow and in the days ahead.
With love and sincerity,
Gary and Brenda Van Sluys
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with the family in this difficult time.
Dear Jessie and family,
We are sorry to hear the news of John’s passing. Knowing full well that he is where he longed to be brings comfort, but we also know his presence with you all will be missed.
A true man who loved God with all his heart and wasn’t afraid to share Jesus with those around him.
Sending condolences to all of you in your time of loss.
Jeff and Janet Corbett
Dear Jessie & Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
His strong faith, love for his family, and the life he lived touched so many people. May you find comfort in the memories you shared, strength in the love that surrounds you, and peace in knowing that his faith carried him home.
Praying that God will surround you and your family with His comfort and grace in the days ahead. May the promise of eternal life bring hope to your hearts, and may you feel His presence with you as you grieve.
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Jessie and family, Bev and I would like to extend our condolences to each of you on John’s passing. We pray you’ll find God’s peace and comfort in his, and your hope of eternity. I echo what others have said about what a pleasure it was to serve alongside John on the board. To see his faith and love of God displayed, and to hear him pray. He was so passionate for God.
Again, our deepest sympathy to every one of you.
Sending our condolences and prayers to you all. Much love, the Moore family.
Scott, Shannon, Tyler, Taylor and Brett.
God bless and may he be with you through this difficult time.
Dear Jessie and family we extend to you our deepest sympathies in the passing of John. Kevin had the great joy of spending some time with John on FaceTime earlier this year while he was in hospital. We shared some wonderful memories and were so thankful to be able to connect in this way. John was a great man of faith and prayer. What joy is his to be with his Lord and Saviour.
Jessie and Family
So sorry for your loss.. John was such a gentle and kind man..you will have lots of memories just keep them close.❤️
Dear Lisa and family: I send my sincere love and sympathy in the passing of your dear father. May he rest in peace, til you meet again. May Gods’ love buoy you all at this difficult time. Love Earla and family. xoxo
Dear Jessie and family – with special remembering of John – and caring thoughts and prayers for you.
Cecelia and Don Denomme
Dear Jessie and Family;
My condolences for your loss.
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Jessie and family, heartfelt condolences on your loss of a dear husband, father and grandfather. John was dedicated in his Faith. He was a lovely man. He was proud of his family. Cherish your precious memories and hold them close to your heart. May your Faith, family and friends give you peace and comfort. You are in my thoughts and prayers.