Thinking of you today John. Thanks for sharing the cottage with the Minnema family and steak and eggs for breakfast…

Thinking of you today John, on your first anniversary in heaven with your dear wife Carrie, think of you both often...will see you both again someday.. love Paula.

Dear Wales family. So sorry for your loss. I really appreciate the years that John would let us stay at the cottage.  They are cherished memories. He was a friend and colleague of my dad Henri Minnema at Auto-Owners Insurance Company.

John, just read of your passing. So many wonderful conversations I have had with you throughout the years. I met you and Carrie over 40 some years ago when I worked in Okemos. You were both so kind to follow me to DeWitt, where we shared many more stories. Your visits to your cabin at the lake, I still have the map Carrie drew for me so I could stop in sometime and visit. The woodwork ornaments you made me for each holiday.. so precious to me. We can’t forget our many hours of talks about our Spartans..I will miss those when they resume playing again.. but if you listen you will hear me coaching along with you..Rest in please John and give sweet Carrie a hug.. you can do that up there❤️ Paula ..think I posted once but not sure it went through❤️ 🙏 to you all

To Mr. Wales family:

I had the privilege of getting to work with John Wales when he worked at Auto-Owners Insurance Company.  When I worked with John he was in charge of Real Estate and the Treasurer of the company.  John was very knowledgeable, kind, and supportive of others careers.   

I admired John's work ethic and how he lead others.  John was a visionary and he was instrumental in developing Auto-Owners Home Office and surrounding properties in Delta Township.

May God Bless you as you reflect on his legacy,

Lisa M. Ayotte
Vice President - Auto-Owners Insurance Company
Real Estate & Operational Services



My siblings and I are so sorry to hear about John's passing.  He and Dad were always close and I was so glad I stopped in at the cottage last fall when he was there and visited with him. John was always a gentleman and such a fine man.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of  you.


My son Alex and I have been part of grandpa John n grandma Carrie's  family since Alex was in elementary school n now he has one more semester left at MSU. We will surely miss him. I often went to cut grandpa's hair at his place since he couldn't drive or walk well many many years ago. And I also brought some food I made at home for him every month. One thing he had told me many times was ANNA, YOU NEED TO TEACH MY COOK HOW TO COOK. LOL. I miss you grandpa. So hi to grandma for me. 

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home

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John Rock Wales

February 15, 1926 – June 13, 2020

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