John Ladendorf died at his home in Grosse Pointe Farms on May 17, 2023 at the age of 73. He was born in Grosse Pointe Farms on September 14, 1949, to J. S. (“Jack”) Ladendorf and Bernice Grunewald Ladendorf.
John married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Hakim on May 18, 1985. In September of 1990, Barbara and John happily witnessed the birth of their son, Christian. They soon afterward adopted Christian, on whom they both bestowed a great deal of love.
In 1972, after receiving an MBA and a bachelor’s degree, with distinction, from The University of Michigan, John continued his pursuit of banking and finance. He joined and then had a career of over 20 years with Comerica Bank (previously The Detroit Bank & Trust), holding key positions in Corporate Banking, International Banking, Consumer Lending, and Private Banking.
During his career he was able to visit 90 countries, some of which he visited up to a dozen times, often staying a month or more at a time. Although never domiciled overseas, John’s career and private travel aggregated to a combined total of nearly 2 years overseas.
John was active in his community. He served as Chairman of the Board of The Grosse Pointe War Memorial between 1999 and 2001. John was a founding member in 2001, and since then, its Chairman of the Board of Champ Life (previously: Vision HOPE)
John also enjoyed many years as a member of The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and the Detroit Athletic Club. His real pleasure was to entertain family and friends at their “Up North” home on Torch Lake. Armed with his Sea Ray, he taught many nieces, nephews, and friends the joys of waterskiing and other sports. The 22 years on Torch Lake gave John and all his extended family and friends lots of pleasure over these couple of decades.
John was predeceased by his parents, Jack (at age 47 of heart attack) and Bernice (age 44 of cancer), when he was still in his teens. John is survived by his wonderful wife, Barbara, son, Christian, brothers Kurt and Robert Ladendorf, and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
A celebration of Life will be held at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club On Saturday, June 10th at 10:00am. Service to begin at 10:30. Brunch will be served immediately following.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Frankel Cardiovascular Center at University of Michigan Health https://www.umcvc.org/ways-give-frankel-cardiovascular-center
Or Champ Life Kids Camp https://mychamplife.com/ways-to-give
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