Johannes (John) Wim Tjalling Eerenberg

Johannes (John) Wim Tjalling Eerenberg, 68, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, after a long battle with vascular dementia.

Born March 27, 1958, he was the son of the late John Eerenberg and Grietje Huizenga Eerenberg, proud Dutch immigrants who came to this country with three young children in tow before John completed their family. From his father, a chemist, John learned the value of hard work and dedication, committing much of his life to excellence in his workplace. John grew up in Louisville, KY and during college at the University of Louisville, John discovered a love of computers. He began his career in that computer lab before going on to work for ADP in Cincinnati, OH. He then worked many years for Digital Equipment Corporation in Dayton, OH, maintaining large scale computers and contracting with high-level customers. From there, he moved south to the Charlotte, NC area and went on to provide computer security for both Wells Fargo and Bank of America, engineering systems that provided cost savings while delivering exceptional results, before finally retiring in 2025. While John was passionate about his career, he was also passionate about his hobbies and the people that he loved. John shared everything with his children and grandchildren, from the best rollercoasters Carowinds had to offer to music of all kinds. He was an accomplished pianist and drummer and ran a personal recording studio for a time. John was also quite introspective, a writer of poetry and a student of the classics especially during his time at Queens College, his thirst for knowledge never quenched. When relaxing, he looked forward to a good cigar with friends and family, whether on the back porch or his favorite cigar shop, while handily demolishing many in political discourse. John found a passion in pistol shooting, which he shared with his grandson, Corey, and was an expert marksman competing in several competitions. John lived a full and vibrant life and his influence will be felt for generations to come.

Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother Wim Tjalling Eerenberg, his brother-in-law Joseph Poetker, and his beloved dog, Dutch.

Those left to cherish his memory include six children and their families: Erin (Brian) Angell and children Alex (Justice), Corey (Sarah), Jonathan (Natalie), Sarah, Sophia, Susannah; Nathan (Anastasia) Eerenberg and children Schyler, Ariana, Trinity, Annalise, Alessiah; Brian (Jennifer) Eerenberg and children Kaden, Bella, Julianna, Alessandra; Tim (Sheri) Eerenberg and children Trevor, Matthew, William (Allana), Ethan, Rhyan, Kaitlyn; Joshua (Rachael) Eerenberg; and Becca (Todd) Brown and children Khloeigh, Paisley, Sutton, Emryn, Georgia; six great-grandchildren: Caroline, Emberlynn, Madalyn, Theodore, Mercy, and Augustus; two sisters: Elsa Poetker and Janna (Gordon) Tinley; two nephews: Jason (Opal) Poetker and children Megan and Sofia; Brian (Denise) Tinley and children Drake and Nora; two nieces: Emily Poetker and daughter Katelyn; Janna (Andy) Miller and children Autumn and Isabelle.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of The Rockin’ Chair Residential Care Home in Lerona, WV, for the excellent care John received. We are forever indebted to you and your compassionate staff for caring for our father in a way that we could not. A private memorial service will be held in the near future for family and close friends of John.