John Vanderwouw

John Vanderwouw, age 87, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away February 28, 2019. He was born on July 2, 1931 in Tilburg, Netherlands; son of Antonius and Adriana (nee Van Meerendonk) Vanderwouw. He was united in marriage to Erna Damaschke on October 25, 1960; they were lovingly dedicated to each other for 58 years.

John attended school in Europe where he studied culinary arts.  In 1972, he competed and won the silver medal for the United States in the Culinary Olympics which was held in Frankfurt, Germany.  John was the owner and executive chef of Cuisine Moderne for 20 years.  He taught and organized the Culinary Arts program for Oakland Community College, Orchard Lake Campus, as well as taught at Schoolcraft College. John was a member of the American Academy of Chefs, the Culinary Institute of America, and the Michigan Chefs.

John was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Northville.  He was an avid hunter.  John loved to entertain and listen to jazz music.  He was a talented piano and guitar player, and often spent time promoting music.  John enjoyed travelling; he visited many places such as Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Erna Vanderwouw; his children, Christine (Glenn) Granger, Sabina Houle, and John Vanderwouw; his grandchildren, Dana Granger, Ian Granger, Kendall Vanderwouw, and Evan Vanderwouw; and his siblings, Antonia Rubie, Andrew Vanderwouw, Marianne Dodds, and Antonius Vanderwouw.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 10am with visiting beginning at 8am at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Deacon Ric Misiak from Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church will officiate the service.