John B. Kennard, Sr.

Kennard Sr., John B., age 91, Ann Arbor and Plymouth resident, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital, Livonia, with his family by his side, on September 19, 2017. Dear husband of Martha Jean, surviving, and Elvera Hellner Kennard, who preceded him in death on May 15, 1974. Son of both the late George and Mary Kennard. Brother to George, who preceded him in death. Loving father of John Jr. (Debbi), David (Gretchen), William, Daniel (Debbie), Ellen (Robert) Madison, and Laurie Lanker. Proud grandfather of Anthony (Jacquelyn) Kennard, Kaleigh (Steven) Barber, Ashley, Cheyenne, Dominique, Jennifer Madison, Robert Madison, Jr., Nathaniel Lanker, and Sabrina Lanker. Great grandfather of Hannah and Hailey. Caring stepfather to Thomas P. (Nancy) Massnick; Karen (Kevin) McNamara; Pam (Randy) Grandmaison. Loving stepgrandfather to Carlie (James) Bakken; Thomas O. (Betsy) Massnick; Melanie (Jacob) Reitz; Robert (Alisha) McNamara; Melynda McNamara. Great stepgrandchildren Sander, Soren, Silja, Amelia, and Annika. John was dedicated to his family and lived his life according to the Golden Rule. John retired from his sales career after spending 45 years working for Hekman Biscuit Company and Ann Arbor Cleaning Supply. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy in World World II. John was also a member of the Northville American Legion for 70 years and recently served as Grand Marshall for the Northville Memorial Day Parade. John was a member of the Northville High School varsity baseball team and graduated from Ann Arbor High School. After World War II, he attended Michigan State University. John was also Grand Knight of the Ann Arbor Knights of Columbus and President of the Ann Arbor Chapter of Parents Without Partners. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 21, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 West Ann Arbor Road, Plymouth, (between Sheldon and Beck Road). Funeral services will be held on Friday, 12:00 noon, at Timothy Lutheran Church, 8820 Wayne Road, Livonia. A luncheon will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, send memorial donations to Timothy Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

John B. Kennard, Sr.

April 19, 1926 - September 19, 2017