Gladstone, MI
John H. Hovey, age 77, of Gladstone passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at the Christian Park Village in Escanaba.
John was born December 16, 1937 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the son of Donald and Patricia (LaFave) Hovey. He graduated from the Escanaba High School in 1956.
John served his country proudly in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962 while stationed aboard the USS Vulcan. He was united in marriage to Mary Buckland on May 11, 1968 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. John worked for Cooper Office Equipment for almost 60 years and was a longtime member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Escanaba where he served as a Deacon for many years. John loved archery and was an avid bow hunter. He was a member and officer of the Michigan Archers Association, Michigan Bow Hunters, Red Buck Archers and the Great Lakes Sports and Recreation Club. He also enjoyed weightlifting, working out and watching NASCAR.
John is survived by his wife, Mary, two daughters, Sherry (Bob) Potvin of Soo Hill and Jalene (Tom) Polkey of St. Jacques, five grandchildren, Wendy (Mike) Moore of Virginia, Mike (Ashli) Potvin of Florida, Lori (Rob) Edmundson of Wisconsin, Lisa (Russ) Cowart of Texas and Dave Potvin of Gladstone and 9 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Iris Moore, brother, Don Hovey and two nieces.
Private funeral services for John will be held at the convenience of the family.
Matt Dale - Lansing, MI
Lots of love and prayers from the Dale Family. John is a great man. Unquestionable ethics, dedication, and heart. He taught me a great deal and I will remember him for the rest of my life. RIP John. Your mark will be felt on this earth for many years to come.
Meridy Sundholm - Arnold, MI
I’m sorry to hear of John’s passing. I know he and my fella David (Bigelow) are up there competing with their bows again. My deepest condolences to you all.
Barbara & Andy Mann - Iola, TX
So sorry for your loss, Sherry. You are in our prayers.
Dan Mc Nair - Gladstone, Mi
Thoughts and many prayers for the entire family. John was a great guy to work with. Often he came up with easiest way to do things. He was a man that you could ask advice and often he gave a good positive answere. He was also known for his sense of humor little practical jokes. Many years ago Mr Hovey was training me in and we were way out of town. We had this big copy machine [6090}that we had to fix. John handed me this wire which was 15 inches long and looked like a human hair. It had to be put in the machine,and it was tricky even with a steady hand. John said whatever you do don’t break it its the last one! Well I broke it and my jaw nearly dropped to the ground. I looked up at him with this serious face but his facial expression was quite different then mine. He had a smile on his face. Seconds later he pulled a whole pack of them wires out of his tool case. He laughed so hard he could barely talk. We laughed many times later as he would sometimes say whatever you do don’t break it its the last one! Feel very fortunate to had the opportunity to work with him all those years. R.I.P Mr Hovey you will be sadly missed.
Joyce & Jim Anderson - Negaunee, MI
My husband and I will miss John. We shot archery with him and even Mary at one time. We will miss him…Even though we have not seen him, he was a very special friend of ours. We will miss his emails and his warmth. Such a good man.