Jack Ten Cate, age 83, was born on May 13, 1943, in Holland, Michigan, and passed away on June 1, 2026, in Hamilton, Michigan, after a brain cancer diagnosis last fall.
Jack was born on May 13, 1943, in Holland, MI to Julius and Juliana Ten Cate. He lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and steady devotion to the Lord he loved. He was a Christian whose life was not only spoken in words, but demonstrated in action, in song, in service, and in the way he treated others. Those who knew him will remember a man who was faith-filled, loving, and thoughtful, and who carried himself with a spirit that encouraged everyone around him to look upward and keep going forward.
Raised in Maplewood, Jack graduated from Holland High School in 1961 and later became a graduate of LaMar Barber College, beginning his career as a barber. He also spent six years in the Air National Guard, serving with discipline and honor. Over the years, he worked as a mason for one of his favorite people, Dale Kempkers, and later served as an insurance agent for Meyering Insurance before retiring. In every season of life, Jack brought a strong work ethic, a dependable spirit, and a humble heart.
Jack’s life was deeply rooted in worship and witness. Deer hunting was his passion, but even more than that was his love for Christian gospel music. He loved organizing and leading hymn sings, and he loved singing about his Lord, whom he placed first in his heart. His first church solo came at the age of 4, and he never quit singing for Jesus. For many years, every Sunday found Jack, along with his cornet, at a different church sharing special music. He was a member of the King’s Men Quartet, and after learning to play upright bass guitar on a mission trip, he soon became part of the Down-Home Bluegrass gospel band. Jack was a member of Central Wesleyan Church, and he was never ashamed of his faith. He shared scripture every morning with his texting friends; he shared it through his music, he shared it through personal conversations, and he shared it simply by how he lived each day.
Jack also found joy in the simple and beautiful gifts of life. He loved deer hunting, drinking coffee with friends and strangers, fishing, and anything outdoors. He logged thousands and thousands of miles on his many motorcycles with Linda, and those miles surely held memories of freedom, laughter, and companionship. Jack loved to laugh and was always quick with a joke, seeing humor in most things. His presence brought warmth, and his words often brought comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that joy is still possible even in difficult times.
More than anything, Jack was most happy knowing that all of his grandchildren know Jesus. That was the heartbeat of his hope and the center of his prayers. He understood that a life well lived is not measured only by years, but by faithfulness, love, and the eternal impact left on others. His life pointed people toward Christ, and his example will continue to speak long after his earthly journey has ended.
Jack was preceded in death by; his parents Julius Ten Cate and Juliana (Zoet) Ten Cate, in-laws Charles Martin and Jean (Russell) Martin, sister Sandra Riksen.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Linda; his children, Carrie Lynn and Todd Klaasen, and Kirk J. Ten Cate. He is also remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Gabe and Kaylie Klaasen, Gideon, Selah, and Caleb, Jordan and Cody Looman, Brooke Raya, Tsinat and Grant Immink, Zadok Newton, Jesse and Beza Klaasen, Bethlehem Klaasen, Solomon and Katie Klaasen, Dallas Rose, and Kyah Klaasen. He is also survived by Roxann and Floyd Selby, Judy Ritsema, Debra Martin and Mario Vasquez, a niece and nephew, and several cousins. His family and many friends will carry forward his memory with gratitude, knowing that his life was a testimony of grace, perseverance, and clearly shown how much he loved his family.
Though Jack’s earthly race has ended, his faith remains a powerful witness to all who knew him. He lived with conviction, sang with joy, served with humility, and loved with sincerity. His life reminds us that when a person keeps Christ first, even ordinary days become sacred, and even a simple song can become a sermon. May those who mourn him also be strengthened by the hope he cherished, the Savior he served, and the promise of eternal life.
The funeral service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Chapel at Central Wesleyan, 446 West 40th Street in Holland. Pastor Lynn Bruce will be officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Monday, June 8 at Dykstra Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street in Holland and one hour prior to the service at the Chapel at Central Wesleyan. Memorial contributions may be given to New Harvest Ministries International, P.O. Box 1011, Holland, MI 49422.
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