John Carl Jefts' Obituary
Stanwood - John Carl Jefts, 67, of Stanwood, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 12, 2017, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 26, 1949, in Tucson, AZ, the son of Glenn L. and M. Marion (Wilber) Jefts. In 1967, John graduated from Morley Stanwood High School, and attended Ferris State College for one year. On Dec. 2, 1968, he enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard, and served his country for four years until his honorable discharge on Dec. 1, 1972. In 1978, John began his career with Michigan Wisconsin (later ANR) Pipeline Company, working for 25 years until retiring. He then worked for several years at Sears and later Lowe's in Big Rapids, enjoying meeting and talking with customers. John was a member of the Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood. An avid hunter, he was a life member of the North American Hunting Club, and a member of Safari Club International. John also loved to ride his CanAm Spyder, and liked to camp and travel as well. On April 4, 1970, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, John married Cinda Kay Hyde, who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Susan (Aaron) Felske of Kalamazoo, Jill (Ted) Patin of Sparta, and Brian (Sandra) Jefts of Rockford; 3 grandchildren, Chloe, Kyla, and Meric; his brothers Larry (Louise) of Kunia, HI, Duane (Cathy) of Lake St. Louis, MO, and Paul (Denise) of Big Rapids; sister-in-law Mary (Jim) Lodden of League City, TX; brother-in-law John (Shirley) Hyde of Reed City; and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Carol. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. Gary Bondarenko officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Plains Cemetery in Colfax Township. John's family will greet friends On Thursday, June 15, from 4-7 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and after 10 a.m. on Friday at the church. Memorial contributions in John's name may be made for the Buckley Old Engine Show, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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