John Edwin Wrathell

John Edwin Wrathell had a quiet laugh that could warm your heart and light up a room — and now, he has moved on from this life, leaving us with beautiful memories. Born on November 8, 1947, in the quaint town of Ferndale, Michigan, John's story was one filled with chapters of joy, knowledge, and the occasional winning horse. After 77 remarkable years, our beloved John passed away peacefully in Hartland, Michigan, on August 5, 2025. Son of the late Clifford and Mary (Rutz) Wrathell, John was the brother of Don (Deanna) Wrathell. He was also the brother-in-law to Donna Wrathell and Wes Slingerland. His nieces and nephews, Tammy, Don, Donna, Lynn, Rick, Nicole, Derek, Ryan, Stacy, Shane, Jeannie, Wesley, Paula, Roger, Teresa, Kelly, and Michael will remember him as the cool uncle who always had an interesting story to tell. Though he joins his late kin Betty Slingerland, Thomas Wrathell, Sandra McClelland, Clayton Wrathell, and Tootie Monohan, his memory will continue to be a guiding light in the lives of those he left behind.

John was a lifelong learner, graduating from Avondale High School in 1965 and later attending Reisch's Worldwide College of Auctioneering. He also pursued paralegal studies and regularly engaged with “The Great Courses.” John honorably served in the US Army, including time at the Pentagon — an experience that meant a lot to him. He dedicated 29 years to Ogura Corporation, where his colleagues praised his dedication and reliability.

John cherished his work family and his accomplishments. Beyond work, John was a man of diverse interests, fascinated by animals, particularly horses and pigs. He enjoyed 4H fairs and frequented the Hazel Park Raceway for his betting skills. Annual Michigan State Fair trips were a highlight, as were his memorable Las Vegas adventures with his sister Sandra and other family members.

On most summer days, John would be swimming in various local lakes after work. A proud member of the Fiero Sports Car Club, John had a notable collection of sports cars and reveled in the atmosphere of the Woodward Dream Cruise.

A memorial gathering will take place on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, located at 3205 East Highland Road, Highland, Michigan 48356. Internment and military honors will take place immediately following the memorial gathering at Great Lakes National Cemetery at 2:00 PM in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly Michigan at 2:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made toveteransconnected.org in John's memory.