John graduated from Washington High School in 1959 and Notre Dame School of Architecture in 1965. He significantly impacted the cityscape of Sioux Falls through his architecture and community involvement.

He was a licensed architect in the states of South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. He was a member of AIA for over 40 years, past president of South Dakota Society of American Institute of Architects, recipient of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board Certificate. He was a member of Architectural Forum and the Sioux Falls ADA Board, Chairman of South Dakota Health and Education Facilities Authority, was a member and chairman of Sioux Falls Planning Commission, McKennan Hospital Advisory Board member, member of Sioux Falls Civic Fine Arts Board, and member of South Dakota Housing Development Authority. He was also a partner in the Prairie Green Development Group.

He loved the Black Hills, photography and his grandsons, to whom he was known as "Gramps."

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Kathy Van De Walle, of Sioux Falls; his sons, David Van De Walle, of Minneapolis, MN and Michael Van De Walle, of Sioux Falls; his grandsons, Nicholas and Nathan Barnhart, of Sioux Falls; his sister, Nancy (Terry) Pelkola, of Villa Park, IL; and nieces, Christine Scott, of Idaho Falls, ID and Alissa Pelkola, of Washington, D.C.

Memorials may be directed to the charity of donor's choice.

Visitation will begin at 4 pm, Sunday with family present from 6-8 pm at Miller Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Monday at St. Mary Church. Private interment.