Obituary of John D. Steenstra

John D. Steenstra passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Denville, NJ. He had shared 94 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born in Totowa to the late Mary (Holmes) and John Steenstra, he was one of four children to bless their household. John was raised in Haledon and he graduated from what is now known as Passaic County Technical High School, then Paterson Technical and Vocational High School, in 1948. John then fearlessly served our country in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. He lied to get in to the military sooner! He served during the Korean War, and was one of the first Marines to land behind enemy lines in North Korea. Upon his honorable discharge, he came home and married his soulmate and best friend, Marie Dubis. Hand in hand on this rollercoaster we call life, John and Marie became a happy family of six.

John was a member of the American Legion Post #1000 and a lifelong member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102, where he was instrumental in driving a change in leadership that shaped the future of the union. He adored his job as an Electrician. He had worked for many companies during his 70+ year career in the construction industry. Early in his career he was the first Electrician at Modern Electric to work in the field. Most notably he took pride in working at Steenstra Electrical, Inc. and later at Rialto Electric Corporation in Kinnelon, which his son has proudly continued to run. John truly put his heart and soul into his work; it was more than a career. He genuinely believed in what he did and therefore, was great at it! Of course, it didn’t hurt that he was in turn providing for his family. When he wasn’t working or spending time with loved ones, you could find him tinkering around the house. He especially enjoyed his Ham radio, which allowed him to communicate with others across the globe, since the 1970’s.

His legacy will live on for generations to come in the hearts of his family, his beloved wife of 72 years, Marie; his loving children, John A. Steenstra, Bill Steenstra, Raymond Steenstra, and Sue Davis(Steenstra) and her husband Darryl; his cherished grandchildren, treasured great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

Relatives and friends are welcome to celebrate John on Saturday, May 30th from 10 -12 pm with Funeral Service beginning at 11:30 am at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted in his memory to New Jersey Shared Services Charitable Foundation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of John here to continue to honor his life and let his light shine.