John Teusink ’62

Teusink, John Tillman, Age 79 of Cedar Springs, passed away Saturday, February 29, 2020 at his home and leaped into the arms of his Lord and Saviour. 

John was born May 3, 1940 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Dr. J. Harvey and Dorothy (Bower) Teusink. John graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1958. He earned an A.B. degree from Hope College and studied in Vienna, Austria for a summer studying German and Music. He also earned two Master of Science Degrees in Biology; one from Central Michigan University and one from Syracuse University. He taught biology at Aquinas College for 32 years attaining the rank of Full Professor of Biology. In 1979, he received the prestigious Danforth Scholar Associate Award for excellence in college teaching. 

He was a life member of the Sparta Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons #334 and a life member of the Saladin Shrine Temple in Grand Rapids 32nd degree. John joined the Cedar Springs Methodist Church in 1954 and was a faithful member until his death. He served the Cedar Springs City Council for 32 years, 19 as Mayor and married 175 couples. He loved music of all kinds and said one of the high points in his life was as a member of the University of Michigan Marching Band. He loved animals and had a hobby farm for many years raising horses, beef cattle, pigs, chickens and several species of ducks. He was an avid collector of ball point pens and gave away more than a thousand. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Camilla (Gunnell) Teusink whom he married in 1982 (“his greatest blessing”); sister, Nancy (Richard) Jackson; step children, Douglas Gamm, Lori (Steve) Cason; step grandson, Cody Cason; nephews, John Scott (Penny) Teusink, Dennis (Jennifer) Rogers; niece, Marsha Jo (Mike) Winsett; many grand nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jack (Arlene) Teusink; nephew, Jeff Rogers.