John Louis Giffels' Obituary
John Louis Giffels, age 90 passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023, with his family by his side. John was born on June 25, 1933, in Detroit, MI to Elmer and Verna (Oliver) Giffels. He was raised in Royal Oak where he graduated from Shrine High School. After high school, John worked hard to obtain his business and law degree from the Wayne State University. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth Hubbard, and the two married on May 19, 1956. They grew their family to include four children and raised them in Rochester Hills. John worked as an attorney for Ford Credit in Dearborn. John and Libby were very active in church community of St. Andrew’s in Rochester, where he was an usher and served on many committees through the years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. The friendships he made there stayed dear to his heart until the end. In his spare time, John could be found in his shop, woodworking and building furniture, or outside gardening. Of all his creations, he was most proud of the antique wooden boat that he rebuilt. During their 67 years of marriage, John and Libby enjoyed camping with their children and later traveling and boating. They moved to Mecosta in 2021 and have resided at Royal View Retirement Community since. Left to carry on John’s legacy and cherish his memory are his wife, Elizabeth Giffels; children, Joe (Norman Lieberman) Giffels, David (Sandee) Giffels, Catherine (Mark) Chapman, and Sue (Tim Kamp) McBroom; grandchildren, V. Rose Lieberman (Bill Young), Tim Chapman, Josh (Kim) Chapman, Christopher (Laura) Chapman, Jacqueline (Zach) Jedro, Emily McBroom, Anne McBroom Balke (Dan), Carly McBroom, Danny (Samantha) Giffels, Haylee Giffels, and Jason Giffels; great-grandchildren, Lilley, Addey, Callie, Carter, Ruby, Cooper, Nolan, Teddy, Teddy and Palmer; nieces, Catherine (Don) Forington, Judy Barkholtz (Karen Weitz) and Rachel Barkholtz. John is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Sally Pyle. A memorial service will take place on Monday, January 15, 2024, at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Tom Boufford as Celebrant. Those desiring may direct memorial donations to The Knights of Columbus. Envelopes will be available at the church.
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