John Dankert

John Dankert, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and man of great faith, passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 82. He was surrounded by the love of his family as he entered eternal rest at the Angela Hospice Center, guided by the same steadfast trust in God that carried him throughout his life. John was born on May 27, 1943, to the late Henry and Irene (Dressler) Dankert in Chicago, Illinois.

His spirit and memory are carried forward by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Nancy (Jones). He was an amazing father to their six children, Jennifer (Jeff) Pregenzer, Peter (Nancy) Dankert, John (Maura) Dankert, Thomas (Kristen) Dankert, Kathleen (Jason) Abbott, and Mary (James) Giffear. He was also an incredibly proud grandfather to their 15 grandchildren: Adelina and Marie Pregenzer, Peter, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Thomas Dankert; Anne, John, Margaret, and Michael Dankert; Lucas Dankert; Ethan and Jackson Cahall; and Clara and Louis Giffear. John was survived by his sister, Ellen Bourgon, and many nieces and nephews.

A proud graduate of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, John played on the city championship football team, earning him a football scholarship that allowed him to attend Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. There, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and met his wife, Nancy. After graduating from Xavier and marrying Nancy, John returned to Chicago to begin his career at Ford Motor Company. In 1965, his career plans were put on hold after being drafted to serve in the Army, stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. After his honorable discharge in 1967, John and Nancy returned to Chicago and started their family. Jonn was promoted in 1976 and moved his family to Plymouth, MI, joining his sister Ellen (Ken) Bourgon, who was residing in Livonia, MI. They were soon followed by his parents, Henry and Irene, and his sister Barbara, who made a home in Fowlerville, MI

John and Nancy immediately joined St. Kenneth’s Parish and became active members, making lifelong friends. A man of deep compassion and service, John believed strongly in giving back. He was the administrator of Christian Services, where he organized the annual Christmas gift-giving program. What began as a small effort grew into a beloved tradition that brought joy, warmth, and hope to countless people over the years. John also volunteered to shop for food and help in the kitchen at St. Christine’s Soup Kitchen. In 2001, John retired from Ford Motor Company and discovered a love of woodworking in his garage workshop. He has since crafted beautiful pieces for his family to cherish always.

John had an infectious sense of humor that brought light to everyone he met. He had a way of turning simple phrases into running jokes.

Above all, he cherished time spent with his wife, their six children, and 15 grandchildren, finding true happiness in their presence. Whether gathered for a family meal, sharing a quiet moment, or celebrating life’s milestones, he was most at home when surrounded by those he loved.

Rooted deeply in his Catholic faith, his legacy is one of service, laughter, love, and a deep, enduring trust in God.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth, Michigan 48170, at 12:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church beginning at 10:30 AM. John will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.

Contributions in John’s memory are appreciated and may be made out to:

St. Dominic Outreach Center

P.O. Box 32655

Detroit, MI 48322

https://stdominicoutreach.org/donate