John Larson Lee's Obituary
Stanwood - John Larson Lee, Sr., who reached his 100th birthday in April, passed away, Sunday, May 9, 2021 at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.
He was born in the Lee ancestral home in Stanwood on April 26, 1921, the son of John and Emma (Kranz) Lee and attended Big Rapids High School and later attended Ferris State College.
John was a WWII veteran who served in the 403rd Anti-Aircraft Battalion as a messenger and ambulance driver. His battalion was ultimately under the command of General Mark Clark and at one point John met and saluted General George Patton. He participated in campaigns in Sicily, Italy, in France, as well as in Algiers, Tunisia, North Africa. John witnessed many incredible things during his service including the aftermath of Mussolini's and his girlfriend's hanging in the Piazzale Loreto in Milan, Italy. From that segment of his army life he also has fond memories of the kind people he met along the way in the various countries in which he served. John did not hesitate to share these and other stories with family members and friends.
After returning home John married his beautiful sweetheart Ruth Ann Johnson in May 1951 and they raised six children. On the home front he loved to pamper his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His son Mark recalled that whenever he would go on a date as a young man, his dad would give him five dollars spending money. His granddaughter Margaret Ruth was always amazed by her grandfather's knowledge of plants and animals, both in the woods and on the farm. John was especially appreciative of the regular visits by his friend Micky Laughhunn. He and his family enjoyed hayrides during the summer and fall around his and his family's many acres in and around Stanwood.
In his long working career, John farmed, owned a butcher shop called Lee's Meat and Grocery, drove a truck long haul, and worked for Wolverine, Magnalock, and Hitachi. While home he worked on his beloved Willeys Jeep, making sure it ran like a top. There was nothing he couldn't fix with a welding torch and his toolbox. John enjoyed and was especially fond of old westerns and reruns of Lawrence Welk thanks to his grandson CJ who would adjust his TV antenna. And of course, there was Sunday dinner. His longevity might be attributed to his midnight snacks which always included a glass of milk, crackers and peanut butter, and a candy bar.
A life well lived! Thank you dad for all your love and wisdom! You will be greatly missed! MLLP
John is survived by his children, John Lee, Linda Lee, Mary (John) Lee-Pokryfki, Deb (Rick) Bechelli, Mark (Janine) Lee, and Dan (Karen) Lee; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth Ann, siblings, Helen, Arthur, Alice, Everett, Eunice, Mary, and Gertie, and nieces and nephews, Lee-ann, Chelli, and David.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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