COVER STORY / 2022 SILENT BELL RECIPIENT
John K. Vander Kolk, DDS A Role Model for Service Aside from all the fun and activities John participated in, he also worked. His strong work ethic is apparent as he held a wide variety of jobs. He began his first job at age twelve as a blueberry picker and salesman. Other jobs included working in sales for a hardware and lumber store, working as a camp counselor in Montana, a landscaper, and a restaurant manager. John cites two individuals as role models. The first is Ken Thomasma, a teacher, outdoorsman, writer, and adventurer. The second is his father as a man of faith who loved God, people, and his work. The apple has not fallen far from that tree. The West Michigan District Dental Society’s highest award is the Distinguished Service Award. This award, also known as the “Silent Bell,” is given to recognize contributions to organized dentistry. These contributions include service to dental professionals, patients, and the community. Dr. John K. Vander Kolk is this year’s Silent Bell recipient. John was born at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the middle son of Dr. Anno Vander Kolk and Claire Monsma. John and his brothers Craig and David grew up in Grand Rapids. His father was a practicing dentist, and his mother was a teacher, professional singer, interior designer, and real estate agent. Their house was full of love and music. John vividly remembers how his father loved dentistry and how his mother sang in church. Family and faith defined John’s life as he grew up. The Golden Rule was at the core of lessons passed on to John from his parents. As a child, John’s life was full of activities. John describes his childhood interests as “everything water,” which included boating, swimming, surfing, sailing, and lifeguarding. John wasn’t just a water lover. He enjoyed just about any outdoor activity: hiking, backpacking, camping, and mountain climbing. 10
As a young undergraduate, John attended Hope College for four years. He sang in the touring choir, carrying on his mother’s love of musical performance. John’s dental school years followed his time at Hope. He was awarded his DDS degree from the University of Michigan. John met Rosemary (Rosa) D’Agostino at Mott Children’s Hospital. He was doing a mini-residency in anesthesia, and Rosa was working as a surgical scrub. Their first several meetings were during surgeries. John describes those moments where all the two could see of their future spouses were “each others’ eyes.” On January 3rd, 1986, they were married during a small ceremony with only parents and siblings in attendance. As newlyweds, John and Rosa both worked for the University of Michigan. John was an instructor in the dental school, and Rosa worked in the hospital. It is very revealing of their close relationship that John describes Rosa in the most glowing of terms, “admiring the spirit of God in her.” Their first home was in Alger Heights. This home was across the street from where John’s parents lived when he was born. John and WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2022
