As an undergraduate and graduate student at NMU, I attended classes instructed by John. As all students, I enjoyed taking his classes. He was a wonderful professor with a style all his own. My greatest sympathies go to his family.

Debra Paulson
Tucson, AZ

John VandeZande: John was my Art of Fiction professor in the summer of 1967. He "rescued" me from a previous Art of Fiction class that I failed the previous spring. I sat in the front row to hear all I could about Hemingway and Faulkner. John made the Old Man and the Sea, For Whom The Bell Tolls, and The Sun Also Rises and The Sound and the Fury. I remember well the story he told about Faulkner. When asked about understanding one of Falukner's works, a woman asked, "Mr. Faulkner, I've read your story 10 times, and still don't understand it. What sould I do? Faulkner is reported to have said, " Read it 11 times!" Such was John's approach to life and writing. I haven't forgotten this.

Larry Brainerd
Santa Fe, NM

John was one of my favorite professors, great guy. He made english fun and if you could do that, you are a gifted person. He would walk into class very gently and say something like, "I could come in here (class) w/ my clothes on fire and the students would still say, Professor Vandezande do you have our papers done yet?" He talked about his family as if they could walk on water. Especially little Johnny when he had something wrong with his achilles tendon or something like that. Had great laughs when he would come into Bookbinders (LRC) for a cup of coffee.

My sympathies.

Mike Halonen '93 BS in something or another I think it was marketing
Minneapolis, MN

Jeff (and Family),

I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing, he was one of the most wonderful people I've ever met.

He had such an extraordinary disposition about him, so genuine and sincere, not to mention, very wise and funny. He was my favorite professor and I often think of him and the kindness he displayed, as well as the great stories he told.

You and your family were so blessed to have such an incredible influence in your lives. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time.

Stacy Hohman (Mistretta)
Skandia, MI

---

John was an insperation to me in my early writing. He is one of the reasons I continue to put words to paper even today. My best wishes go to Elaine, Jeff and the rest of the family

David Goodwin
Florissant, MO

Memorable instructor and individual. Taught this engineer a lot about expression and writing. Thanks for the experience John!

Chris Pritchard
Green River, WY

You're in our thoughts and prayers. I remember being at NMU and meeting John with my father (Richard Wright) and hearing all the stories. We then last summer met up with John Jr. and Johnny in motorcross our son also races. I send my deepest condolences, John was a wonderful person. Once again our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Dauphinais-Jeff Vicki Ashleigh and Brett
Daggett, MI

John,

You were one of the kindest people I've ever met, a lovely man, a man of integrity and laid back good humor who loved your family and enjoyed your friends. When I arrived in Marquette in 1970, age 23 and transplanted from San Francisco, you and a few others whom I think of as dear friends, adopted me and welcomed me into your community. Many a night we all shared a beer at the Tip Top, listening to your stories, and enjoying your chuckle. You always had time for people and managed to live the life you wanted, writing, being in the outdoors, teaching. You had it your way and because your way was always generous, it included those around you. Knowing you has been a gift to me. Blessings on you and to Elaine, Johnny, Audrey, Jeff and your family.

My love to you all,

Ann Green
Brooklyn, MI

I am deeply sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful presence in the English Department at NMU while I was a student there from 1989-1995. He was my undergraduate advisor as well as a teacher of creative writing to me. I learned much about creating characters, themes, and realism from him which have since helped me in writing my own novels and stories. He was a wonderful storyteller, an honest critic, a fair and talented teacher, and someone enjoyable to pass the time with. His family has my sincere sympathy on his passing.

Tyler R. Tichelaar
Marquette, MI

I first met John in May of 1970, when I was interviewed for an instructorship position in the English Department at NMU. This was the first time in my life I had ever been to Marquette. They put me up in the Northland Hotel — now the Landmark Inn — back when it was a pretty run-down place. One evening I was here John and about 4 or 5 other members of the department showed up at the bar downstairs and we sat around drinking beer and talking. What a great way to conduct a job interview I thought to myself as I sat there. It didn't take John long to get started on some stories. I was enchanted. This was even better than the beer, I thought. John's stories and his friendliness helped me make the decision to come to NMU and I enjoyed all the years we taught as colleagues in the same department.

In the early 70s when I was worried about earning tenure and busy with a young family, I'd often encounter in John in the department hallways or that big wide hallway in LRC (called the commons, I think), and I always knew he'd not only say hello, but he'd have a story or two for me. Despite being busy and worried, I began to look forward to those chance meetings. John made me slow down, and appreciate life, people, and places, which is to say to appreciate stories. All the years we were colleagues I relished those meetings, so I was a bit disappointed when he told me he was retiring. I knew it was the right thing for him to do, but I knew I'd have fewer chances to listen to those stories. But in the years since John retired I have found ways to slow myself down by listening to and reading stories and poems. Though I never had the good fortune to be a student enrolled in one of his class, John taught me well.

Mark Smith
May 31, 2006

Mark Smith
Marquette, MI

A winter afternoon, a low slant of light through a streaked window, a creaky wooden floor. John sauntered into the first meeting of a writing/literature course (and perhaps one of the first courses he ever taught at NMU), shy, and a bit uncertain.

Opening a tattered text, he read, with no introduction, John Updike's short story "A&P." When he finished the story, he gently closed the book, tucked it under his arm, and walked out of the room.

I've never forgotten that stunning story, and the way John captivated this rag-taggy kid's imagination and spurred my interest to study writing, and, eventually, to be a writer. John taught me to find my voice when we met to review my drafts - a lesson I've put to good use in over 300 research journal articles.

And John encouraged me to tell the stories of growing up in iron mining country -- he would prompt me to talk about those experiences, and often say "Write that -- there's your story!" Maybe one day I will...as a tribute to John for his wrapt attention and confidence.

The Updike story is at:

http://www.tiger-town.com/whatnot/updike/

Susan Black
Hammondsport, NY

Please except our sympathy in the loss of John.The Love, Strength and Courage during his illness is a tribute to the wonderful life you had together. Your wonderful memories will bring you peace.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judy and Mike Stenglein
Boca Raton, FL

Dear Elaine, John Jr, Audrey and Jeff,

My heartfelt sympathy to each of you and your families. Even across the miles I know how special John was.

Thank you Elaine for including me in the regular updates, it helped me feel a little closer while I was so far away.

I will always treasure the time my family spent with you and John while we vacationed in the UP many years ago.

I hope your many memories and the continued love and support from family and friends helps bring you comfort.

Much love from your Goddaughter

Marlene Costa
Falmouth, ME

Your dad live a very rich life. The achivements he has made, the family he had around him, what more could a person ask for? He was a great man and my heart goes out to you and your family.

George Garceau
Pompano Beach, FL

While never a student of John's despite having a BA in English from NMU, I was always struck by his willingness to engage in a meaningful conversation. This gentleness, coupled with intellect and genuine sincerity, were things that I learned outside the classroom and that's what made my NMU experience all the better. I was never in one of John's classes but I am certainly richer for the experiences of having engaged him in more than one conversation over the course of my NMU years and beyond. His writing certainly displays his talent and that, along with some great memories, will live with many of us for a long time.

Eric Luttinen
Ishpeming, MI

I read of John's passing and felt the sadness even from so many miles and after so many years of remaining his student and friend. Even though it has been over three decades since I attended his Creative Writing Class at NMU and then also came to know him personally as many students have, I cannot use the past tense "was his student" or "used to be my frend" as John taught me to always be a student and he will forever remain a friend.

"Madame, all stories, if continued far enough, end in death, and he is no true-story teller who would keep that from you." - Ernest Hemingway

Gerald W. Aho
Glendale, CA

I am deeply sorry to hear that John had passed away. I have known John from the "old" days at NMU when we were fraternity brothers. Because of our careers we went in different directions, but we would often meet on informal occasions and pick up where we left off. He will be missed.

Nick Ilnicky
Marquette, MI

John's story encompasses so many of us! He was a mentor to me when I worked on my Master's degree, and then during my teaching career at Northern. He encouraged me to write, and further honored me with a rough draft of one of his stories that eventually found its way into Night Driving. I will always remember his sincere kindness. His was a unique presence, not only in my life, but in that of the English department during those late 60's.

My prayers surround his family during these sorrowful days.

Frances [Kangery] Ilnicky
Marquette, MI

I sat in a pink dress alone in the pews watching all the hussle and bussle of a wedding unfolding.

I was a young teen and not very happy about having to wear the color pink from head to toe. Being a tom-boy and all, it made me feel very out of place.

This man walked over to me and smiled, he looked at me told me I looked elegant. "elegant" wow such a strong word.

He was so kind and gentle and very soft spoken. He made a lasting impression, one that has been with me though all the years. That man was John VandeZande, a very dear and loved friend of my parents, Joe and Gail McCarthy. It amazes me how a person can say one thing to you and it has the power to change the way a person sees themselves. John definately had the gift of words, but he also had a gift of how he delivered them. So kind, So gentle, and that is the John Vandezande I will remember. So from the "elegant" little girl in the pink dress, may you rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to Elaine and the kids for your great loss.

Jenna Nyman
Escanaba, MI

Dear Elaine- We are in Austria and did not realize John had been ill. We were so sorry to find his obituary in the MJ. I remember so well the special time I spent photographing him at the Dead River Bridge and the stories he told then. His stories will be a living memeory for many. We are thinking of you with sadness and sympathy. John is another member of the NMU family who is now gone, but whose contribution as a teacher and writer will not be forgotten. Christine and Jon Saari

C. & J. Saari
Marquette, MI

Dear Elaine and family,

Ileana and I want to express our sympathy to you all. We admired John greatly for many reasons. While he had some remarkable professional accomplishments, he always impressed us for his sincere, un-self-assuming ways. He struck us as a gentle, considerate man who will leave a big gap in the world.

Ileana remembers how John was so gracious in greeting her when she first came to Northern in the early 70s. He was the first outside her Department to welcome her as a new faculty member. I had a long history of counseling my students to take John's courses because I respected him so much for both his professional and personal characteristics.

We hope that you too will be consoled by remembering how John left the world a better place. He truly was an admirable person.

With fond regards,

John and Ileana Renfrew
Marquette, MI

Elaine and Family,

With Heartfeld Sympathy. During this difficult time, may you find comfort in precious memories and peace in God's promises.

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eteranl life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

You are in our prayers.

Grace Smith and Carol Hill (Ratelle)
Caledonia, OH & Marquette, MI

Dear Elaine & Family,

Our deepest sympathy & thoughts go out to you at this time of sorrow. John was such a wonderful & caring person. We all will miss him dearly. He has touched so many lives, sometimes unknowingly. It was always a pleasure to see him - especially at Tony's morning "Coffee Club". He was forever with a story & a smile. He will be dearly remembered in our hearts & souls. Take care & let us know if you need anything in the days & months to come. We all are here to support you & your family.

The DePetro Families
Marquette, MI

Sorry to read about John.

Just a friend. John was a good friend of my brothers. >>>>> Larry Rivard.
Wayne

Wayne Rivard
Tekonsha, MI

Condolences to the VandeZande family. John was a great guy.

Emil H. Vajda
Marquette, MI

Dear Audrey and Family,

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Although I only knew your dad (husband) on a very limited casual basis, he left a huge impression on me. When ever I ran into him he always had a smile and a few minutes or more to visit. Obviously a people person, he was always interested in what someone else had to say giving his undivided attention. He genuinely cared about people,it showed in his eyes and smile!

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bonnie Ragusett
Marquette, MI

I was a student of John's about 20 years ago. I just wanted you to know what an impact he had on my life. He was a great teacher and a great man.

Leon Gibson
Big Bay, MI

Elaine -- Please accept my true and heartfelt condolences. We are so fragile.

Lou Kallery
Twisp, WA

Dr.VandeZande was my 1st prof in my 1st class (Good Books) when I returned to NMU at the ripe old age of 39. I immediately felt at ease in school and always had a fondness for Dr. Van. He boosted my confidence in my school work and made me feel as though everything would be ok. My sincerest sympathy to all of you.

Louise A. Anderson
Marquette, MI

Elaine and Family,

We will certainly miss seeing John's smilling face when we go to Marquette, it was always very special when we would come to visit and we would all (as many as possible) get to gether for a quick reunion. I am so happy that I did get to speak with him recently, he sounded so upbeat and was so much fun to talk to....

Our prayers are with you and the family and many friends of John.

GOD Bless and take care

Love

Biz and Bud Campbell
Cool, CA

Dear Elaine and Audrey,

Just read that your beloved husband and father passed away. I am so sorry. I didn't know John, but in reading his obituary, I could certainly tell that he was an outstanding man with so many contributions and much love for his family. May God bless all of you during this time of grief. Sincerely,

Maggie MacDevitt
Marquette, MI

Dear Elaine and family,

Jim and I admire you so very much for your deep faith and acceptance of God's will. Your Updates on John were truly beautiful and inspiring to read, reflecting your understanding of God's love and blessings.

We believe John to be one of the "lucky ones" because through his suffering with Christ he was able to prepare himself for entrance into eternal life. It must have been a privilege, heart wrenching though it was, for loved ones to share his journey into the Lord's loving arms. And how special that John began his new life forever - on Ascension Thursday!

May John and a choir of angels watch over and support you and your loved ones from his new heavenly home.

Two of John's prayer warriors,

Jim and Charlotte (Brainerd) Mansfield
Spokane, WA

Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Johnny, could never forget him. For more than 55 years, those memories acrued. Our paths intertwined with more curves than the Big Bay Road. His family, always uppermost in his life. Whether cruising in the old Coupe, or going for a ride in his jeep, memories were always building. Like the time we talked Themla into giving us a Toni home permanent. Years later it eas "Hey Donnie, remember when we....?" I miss him, but I take great joy in knowing that God has taken away his suffering and Welcomed him home. I bet he's driving around in a green Jeep Wrangler, with the top down.

Elaine and family, God will bring you through this. You are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful man as your husband and father. I know this sounds cliche, but to have know Johnny, is to have loved him. He certainly has earned his eternal rest.

Love you all

Don DePetro
Shelbyville, MI

Dear Elaine,

Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have such fond memories of John as we grew up together and of our last chat last Sept. at Tony's coffee club. He was such a GREAT story teller and had us laughing all the time. Jim's dad always thought and spoke highly of him,too. He will be missed deeply.

Love,

Jim and Connie Wood
Traverse City, MI

To have known Johnny was to never forget him. Always there with his friendly smile and time to reminisce. So many memories, over the past fifty-five years,eh. Bike Rides as new teen agers, cruising in the old Ford coupe, family life, reunions at Tony's Camp, and on... Our paths intertwined more that the Big Bay road had curves,eh. Through it all Family was always most important. Whenever we talked, it was always..."Hey Donnie...do you remember the time we...?" Off we went into sharing those wonderful memories. Like the time we t I'll miss that!

Don DePetro
Shelbyville, MI