John Fredrick Stoneman

As a young boy, Jack worked on his family farm. After graduating from Fulton High School, he was hired by GM Fisher Body Plant in Lansing where he had obtained his apprenticeship card in toolmaking. Jack retired after a successful 40-year career as a Tool & Die Maker, a job he loved. Jack also served in the Navy and was stationed at Gross Isle, MI for two years.

One hot summer night at a dance in Ovid, Jack met his future wife Mary Ann (Kloeckner) and it was love at first sight. They married in 1953 and a few years later he helped build their home in DeWitt, where they raised six children, their proudest accomplishments. Mary Ann passed away in 2013.

Jack and Mary Ann were members of St. Therese Parish in Lansing and founding parishioners of the Catholic Community of St. Jude Church in DeWitt, MI. Jack was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed the comradery of others, playing on numerous golf and bowling teams. He was very proud of his perfect 300 game in 2002.

Jack was an avid fisherman, hunter and die-hard sports fan. He was happiest when he was tinkering in his shop at home. No task was too large or complex for him to take on ranging from auto repair, woodworking to mechanicals. We are blessed with the legacy he inspired - curiosity, creativity, and persistence in everything he did.

Jack is survived by his children: Kathleen (James) Wilcox; Debra (Matt McColl) Baker; Diane (Michael Jaskula); Douglas (Nancy); Karen (Dennis Munk); and Kris (Debbie). His legacy also includes 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Jack was preceded by his sister, Shirley and brother Lee and is survived by his brother Larry (Sherry) Stoneman as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

There will also be a visitation following socially distanced guidelines from 2 to 4 pm on February 20, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Washington, in DeWitt. Jack’s Funeral Mass will be held at the Catholic Community of St. Jude in DeWitt later in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, family members request donations be made to Hospice of Lansing, 4052 Legacy Pkwy., Suite 200, Lansing MI 48911-4285 or the Alzheimer’s Association Great Lakes Chapter, 310 Main St., Suite 100, Chelsea, MI 48118, in memory of Jack Stoneman.