John Salverda, 87, of Wellington, and formerly of southern California, died Monday, February 23, 2009 at the Elms Nursing Home. Born on May 14, 1921 to the late Klaas and Teetske Salverda in Oppenhuizen, Netherlands, John moved to the United States in 1947. In 1951, John became a proud American citizen in Artesia, CA. John worked as a carpenter and built many dairy farms in California before moving to Ohio in 2001. He was a member of the Artiesia Reformed Church, the Lincoln Avenue Reformed Church in Pomona, CA, the Faith Community Church in Riverside, CA and attended the Church of the Open Door in Elyria. John also helped build a church camp, Laurel Pines, in Big Bear, CA. John loved fishing in the High Sierras and tinkering around the house. Survivors include his wife of 60 and a half years, Annie; four children, Doreen (Marty) Yadon of Wellington, Clyde William (Darcy) Salverda of Joshua Tree, CA, Shirley Ann (Chip) Baker of Jennings, LA and Vanessa (Wendy Deford) Salverda of Weatherford, TX; eight grandchildren, August, Andrew, Courtney, Chazley, Breanne, Bobbie Jo, Daniel and Caitlin; and two great grandchildren. John is also survived by a brother, Sietze Salverda of the Netherlands. He was preceded in death by a son, John A. Salverda, his grandson, Jonathan and four siblings, Ynze, Janke, Bouke and Rinske. Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. until the service begins at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2009 at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main St., Wellington with Pastor Kenneth Gerhardt officiating.