John Lee Kemink
ESCANABA — John Lee Kemink, 59, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at his home surrounded by family following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Alameda, Calif. on July 20, 1957, the son to Roy and Jo Ann (Given) Kemink. He spent his childhood in Minnesota and Wisconsin then moved to Escanaba in 1972. John graduated from Escanaba High School in 1975.
John served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 until his honorable discharge in 1978. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
On, Aug. 1, 1981, John married Laurie Pascoe at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba. They celebrated 35 years of marriage.
John worked as a machine operator at EMP for 31 years.
He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and spending time at Mahskeekee Lake with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie; together they have two children, Timothy (Megan) Kemink of Grand Rapids, Heather Kemink of Escanaba; loving Papa to granddaughter, Brynlee; parents, Roy and Jo Ann Kemink of Escanaba; siblings, Jeff (Sandy) Sanders of Hastings, Minn., Linda (Scott) Laviolette of Bark River, Patrick (Amy) Kemink of Escanaba, Mary (Ron) Schwalbach of Gladstone; mother-in-law, Shirley Pascoe; brothers-in-law, R. James Pascoe, Joe (Sharon) Pascoe, Dave (Debby) Pascoe, Tom (Joan) Pascoe and Dan (Theresa) Pascoe; sister-in-law, Kathleen (Kevin) DeMent.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Lila Kemink, Josiah and Florence Given; nephew, Kyle Sanders; and father-in-law, James W. Pascoe.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military honors will be conducted by the Delta County Veteran’s Council at 4:30 p.m. John’s life will be celebrated at 6 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Diane Srutowski.
A luncheon will be served following the service at the funeral home.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Kemink family.