John L. Toutloff

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died August 25, 2017

John Lloyd Toutloff, age 77, was reunited with the Lord on Friday, August 25, 2017.

Born on April 2, 1940, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and reared in Wabeno, Wisconsin, John was active in high school band, sports, and received basketball MVP. He graduated from Wabeno High School in 1958.

John married his college sweetheart Betty (nee Boehm) at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on September 7, 1963. In 1966, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. He began his teaching career at Menominee High School in Menominee, Michigan, where he was also an assistant football coach.

John and Betty welcomed daughter Michelle in 1967 before moving to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, to continue his education. While there, he served as residence hall director until his graduation in 1971 with his master’s degree in guidance and counseling. During this time, he and Betty also welcomed daughter Catherine in 1970. Following graduation, John and the family moved to Escanaba, Michigan, to begin his career with the Escanaba Area Public High School.

Although, John taught history, psychology, sociology and driver’s education, he was best remembered as a guidance counselor. John also supported the education profession by holding numerous positions within the Michigan Education Association. After 30 years of working for EAHS, John retired in 2001.

John’s dedication to education was only surpassed by his commitment to family, lifelong friends – several since childhood – and community support.

John and Betty remained inseparable throughout their marriage; where you would see one, you would see the other. Together they shared a love for travel, doing so as either a couple or with family/friends. Their adventures included visiting 49 of the 50 U.S. States, traveling throughout Canada, and driving the famed Alaskan-Canadian highway.

In his retirement years, John enjoyed being outdoors, watching wildlife, or enjoying Florida sunsets with Betty. Friends and family alike remember John’s ability for telling a good story with a bit of dry wit.

John adored his grandsons. The time he spent with them included; short motorcycle rides, attending school and sporting events, sitting at camp shooting guns, watching the Green Bay Packers, or just enjoying each other’s company. Papa was always available.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years and his children, Michelle (Jerry) Hadel and Catherine (John) Jung, and grandchildren Joshua (Chelsea) Hadel, Jacob Hadel, and Nathan Jung.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mildred Toutloff.

John’s family will receive friends on Friday September 1, 2017, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours on Friday, at 5:30PM, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Church Parish Hall. John will be laid to rest in the Crandon Cemetery, in Crandon, WI., at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Delta Alano Club. Envelopes will be available throughout visitation or at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County.

17 Tributes for “John L. Toutloff

    So many wonderful memories of this gentle giant and his wonderful family. We have truly lost a great friend. All thoughts and prayers are with Betty, Michele and Cathy and their families.

    To Betty& Family,
    He was an interesting man to talk to.
    We lost a great man.
    We knew him & Betty from Toby’s.
    Our prayers & sympathy are with Betty & family.

    John always seemed to be “a rock in the midst of the storm”. No matter what he faced he did it with grace. So sorry for your loss. We are praying for the family and hope you have many sweet memories.

    I met john while assigned as an Army Recruiter in Escanaba. John was quick to provide wise and valuable advice on how I could best support the students and community. His smile, honest and candid counsel made my tour of duty a success and more importantly linked great young leaders up with information on all post high school opportunities. John and Gary and many of the EHS staff provided incredible service to the students, families and community. God rest your soul John–thanks for being a leader and friend.

    I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Toutloff was the guidance counselor who helped me when cancer hit my family and was also my driver’s Ed instructor. I have never forgotten his kindness and patience. You are in my prayers.

    So sorry to hear of this sad news of John’s passing. My condolence to you Betty & your family. John was
    a wonderful man. He always had the most beautiful smile & I will miss him. Please know that you & your
    family are in my thoughts & Prayers.

    So Sorry to hear of the sad news of John’s passing. My condolence to you Betty & your family. John was a wonderful Man.
    He always had a beautiful smile & I will miss him. Please know that You & Your family are in my thoughts & Prayers.M

    Betty and Family,
    Elmer and I send our deepest sympathies to your family. The Toby family will miss seeing John sit on his front porch waving a Hello to his friends. You are in our prayers. Betty and Elmer

    Dear Betty, Michelle, Jerry, Josh (Chelsea), Jacob (and family),
    We are so sorry for your loss. Always remember the wonderful life John lived … the beautiful family he raised … and the difference he has made in so many lives. His legacy lives on in all of you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With Deepest Sympathy, Nancy & Tim LeGault

    John was one of the “Good guys” and as we shared a physical office for over three years, he shared much of his life philosophies One that I ‘ve always remembered is: “You can see it from here; you just can’t get there from here.” We know John’s now got There from her and is making the angels smile

    Betty, I am so sorry for your loss; for your daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren. I enjoyed John’s company when we went to Inner Group. We had such a wonderful conversation during the drive. I have missed you both. Sincerely, Vickie St. Vincent

    Betty and family we were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a gentle giant with a beautiful smile and a cordial hello to everyone. He will be missed by all. Our best to you Betty and our wish for your safe return to Toby’s. Joe and Sandy Yacino

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