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John T. Savoie

GLADSTONE — John T. Savoie, 86, of Gladstone, passed away Friday morning, Feb. 8, 2019, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, surrounded by his family.

John was born in Dryburg, Mich., on May 12, 1932, to Emile and Cecelia (Boncher) Savoie. He was raised in Dryburg and was a 1950 graduate of Rudyard (Mich.) High School.

On Jan. 13, 1953, John enlisted in the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge on Jan. 12, 1955. While in service, John received the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal.

On Sept. 14, 1957, after completing his Michigan State Police training and becoming a Trooper, John was united in marriage to the former Charlene Conn in Niles, Mich. While stationed in Niles, John and Charlene gave birth to their first two daughters, Madeline and Laura, before taking a transfer to the Flat Rock Post in Trenton, Mich. During his assignment in Trenton, John and Charlene welcomed their third daughter, Michelle. In 1966, the couple relocated to Gladstone where they made their home and welcomed two more daughters, Sarah and Renee, to their loving family. John worked out of the Gladstone State Police Post until his retirement in 1981.

John was a member of All Saints Church in Gladstone where he also served as a Eucharistic Minister and was in the church choir for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Brother Felix Council 6667 and loved to complete puzzles, go bowling, golfing, hunting, ice fishing and downhill skiing. He cherished time spent with his family and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Charlene, John is survived by daughters, Laura (Thomas) DeAgostino of Lawrence, Kan., Michelle (Mark) Valk of Lowell, Mich., Sarah (JR) Aviles of Gladstone, Renee (Tiger) VanBrocklin of Gladstone; brother, Lawrence (Audrey) Savoie of Manistique; son-in-law, Mark (Nancee) Siehling of Walker, Mich.; sister-in-law, Albertine Savoie of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

John is further survived by his 21 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren with two great-grandchildren on the way, and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Cecelia; daughter, Madeline Siehling; granddaughter, Sabrina Aviles; brothers, Brother Albert Savoie, Ray Savoie, Eugene Savoie; sisters, infant sister, Agnes Savoie Sr., Magdalena “Susie” Savoie, Mildred Savoie; sister-in-law, Margaret Savoie

John’s family will receive friends on Friday, Feb. 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at All Saints Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Church Parish Hall. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Contributions in John’s honor can be made to All Saints Catholic Church Music Ministry, Gladstone or Holy Name High School Fund. Messages of condolence to John’s family may be offered at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com