Obituary of Simon Johannes Schavemaker

AUBURN - Simon "John" Johannes Schavemaker, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Thursday (October 6, 2022) at Syracuse Veterans Hospital after an extended illness. Friends and family may call from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday (October 15, 2022) at Coe-Genung Funeral Home, Waterloo, N.Y. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Leah Ntuala, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls, will officiate. Burial will be in Fayette Rural Cemetery, Fayette, N.Y. Flowers are welcome or in lieu donations may be made to the Throopsville Community Church Food Pantry, 2026 Turnpike Road, Auburn, NY 13021. Simon "John" was born to Simon Johannes and Anna Emma Lehman Schavemaker, in Somerville, N.J., on July 28, 1938. Simon was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving his country from 1955 to 1958. He served on the Destroyer USS PURDY 734. During his service time he was stationed on other ships as well as submarines, and even flew Officers from Maryland to West Point. Simon visited 26 countries while in the Navy. After life in the service, Simon returned home to Neschanic, N.J. Where he started a job in construction which led to a career in tractor trailer driving. Simon's (John's) upbringing in the country never left him and soon he took a break from truck driving and started a dairy farm. Simon returned to truck driving, and created Sweet Simon Express, hauling fruits and vegetables up and down the east coast. Simon loved anything to do with farming, tractors, hunting, and snowmobiling. In later years, Simon became an avid gardener and loved to spend time swapping canning recipes and gardening tips. What Simon loved and enjoyed most was family gatherings where he could enjoy his children, and especially his many grandchildren. He was a member of the New York State Two Cylinder Club, and The Red Square Tractor Club. Simon was an honorary member of the Fayette Rural Cemetery, he loved to donate his time wherever help was needed. Simon is survived by his children, Cheryl (Thomas) Poormon of Seneca Falls, N.Y., Susan Derr of Seneca Falls, N.Y., Joann (James) Reasoner of Phillipsburg, N.J., and John (Crystal) Schavemaker of Auburn, N.Y.; stepchildren, Tammy Lawton, Louis (Tracy) Akins, Amanda (John) McLeod, Stanley (Elizabeth) Brewer, Patrick Brewer and Danielle (Charles) Westcott; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; 16 stepgrandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; and many nieces and nephewsl; and his faithful companions, Maggie and Ginger. Simon was predeceased by his wife, Bertha Lawton Schavemaker; his former wife, Linda Schavemaker; his parents; sister, Ann Brong; brother-in-law, Sterling Brong, Sr.; and nephew, Leroy Brong. Simons family would like to thank the many Doctors, Nurses, Surgical Teams, Medical Teams, and Caregivers, who went above, and beyond to care for Simon during the last 17 months. A special thank you to Nurse Laura, Dr. Erny, Dr. Tamus, NP Michelle, Mr. T and our beloved Dr. Henderson. We would never have made it through without you. There are not enough words to express our gratitude. Condolences and remembrances may be sent to www.coegenungfuneralhome.com