John Boyko

John Boyko, one of the few remaining members of “The Greatest Generation”, passed away on December 24, 2021 after a brief illness, at the age of 97. John was born on July 3, 1924, the youngest of seven children born to Ukrainian immigrants Alexander and Palahia Boyko.

As a small child, John moved to Lansing, MI with his family. At age 5 his mother passed away. Being raised by his older brothers and sisters while his father worked long hours to support their family, John didn’t have much recreational time and learned early on how to be resourceful - a trait that would follow him for his entire life. In high school he showed a lot of talent with his artistic skills, and dreamt of one day working in aviation. He had an eye for detail, and his early free-hand pencil drawings of planes, engine/machine components, and concept cars are now family keepsakes.

John met his beautiful “Bertie” - Bertha Charlotte Fox - when they were teenagers, and they married on December 18, 1943. A few days later he reported for duty in the Navy, and proudly served on a PT boat in the Pacific Theater for two years during WWII. After his honorable discharge, John and Bert began their married life in Lansing, building by hand the home where they would reside for 50 years. They both spent most of their careers at Michigan State University; John retired after 40 years as Manager of Maintenance and Services, Physical Plant Mechanical Division. He was also steadfast in his support for Bert in her fulltime career – at a time when it was uncommon for husbands to do so. A few years after their retirements, he and Bert moved to Grand Rapids to be closer to family.

When John was not working, he was either tinkering on or looking for a project. With his natural mechanical aptitude and work ethic, he could build and repair almost anything. He never threw anything away; if he discovered something that couldn’t be fixed, he would invent a new way to get the job done. Having grown up with little security or possessions, he appreciated everything he had and was proud of being a self-made man. He also enjoyed collecting towels, blankets, and pillows; treasures he procured from hotel and hospital visits, much to Bert’s dismay and his grandkids’ delight in hearing the stories.

A devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, John will be remembered for his faithfulness to his family, industrious work ethic and sense of humor. He is survived by his son Jack (John) & Joan Boyko of Grand Rapids, MI; his daughter Rebecca Boyko of Wisconsin; six grandchildren - Audra Hagan, Trevor Hagan, Anne & Jeremy Ebert, Marissa & Tom Knight, Tanner & Amira Boyko, Spencer & Lindsay Boyko, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Bert after 71 years of marriage, and his three brothers and three sisters.

A family graveside service with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 at Oakwood Cemetery in Plainfield Township, Michigan.

Memorial donations are suggested for nonprofits dedicated to serving active or veteran military personnel, many found here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=531