Age 90, of Farmington. Born in
Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Cass Tech in Detroit and was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in North Africa and Italy. He married Marcy Nielsen in 1948 and they raised three children in Royal Oak. He was employed by the Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 41 years.

In retirement, John was an avid bicyclist who rode thousands of miles on rides throughout Michigan. He prized his carbon-fiber bicycle that was similar to those once ridden by the U.S. Postal team in the Tour de France. He also enjoyed photography, calligraphy, gardening, the Detroit Tigers, and the DSO. He traveled extensively, visiting Europe, China and Nepal, Africa, and Peru in addition to many domestic trips. He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills.

John was the loving father of Marilynn (James) Hildebrandt, Kenneth (Dagmar) Jones, and Karen (Chuck) Beck and the cherished grandfather of Robert Hildebrandt, Evan Jones, Mark Jones, and Lauren Beck.

John was preceded in death by his wife Marcy, his brother Milton, and his sister Kay Keevan. He is survived by his sister Betty Fink of Manchester, MI.

John will be remembered by family and friends as a role model husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and for his faithfulness.

Visitation will be Friday 2-9 PM at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, Downtown Farmington.

Funeral Saturday 12 Noon (in state 11:30 AM) at St. John Lutheran Church, 23225 Gill Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48335.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church or Habitat for Humanity.