John passed away Thursday afternoon, September 12, 2013 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born July 14, 1948 in Saginaw, the son of John and Betty (Christensen) Mehl. John was a graduate of Battle Creek Lakeview High School, and was employed at Heavenrich's men's clothing store, also working in the family roofing business with his grandfather and uncle. John loved fishing, was a former officer at the Lawrence Lion's Club, he loved playing card games and computer games, and was always well dressed.
He joins in heaven his mother, Betty and father, John; grandparents, especially Iva and Albert Christensen; aunts, June Griffus and Shirley Dowd; uncles, Edward and James Christensen; aunts, Marie Burk, Millie McLean, Sophie Gillig and Lydia Niznak; uncles, Henry, Jake, Chris, Goff, Carl and Don Mehl; and many cousins.
John took the role of eldest brother very seriously, and was proud of his siblings, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who survive: sisters, Sharon K. and Linda L. Mehl of Bangor; Gary L. and Pamela A. Mehl of Battle Creek; their children Aaron (Heather) Mehl, with their children, Jordan and Reagan Mehl of Virginia and Corrie Anne Mehl, of Mackinac Island; Timothy and Patricia Mehl of Galesburg; their children Kelly Mehl (Ransom Cannon) of Missouri, and Andrew (Rebekka) Mehl, with their children Jakob and Hanna, of Kalamazoo; and Susan Mehl of San Antonio, TX. Also his stepmother, Ollie Mae Mehl, and stepsister Leslie (Tim) Coe. He is also survived by his aunt Donna Furlo, uncle Harry Dowd, and uncles Larry (Barbara) Christensen and Jerry (Barbara) Christensen, aunt Bernice Mehl, aunt Alice Mehl, and many cousins and extended family members, and special friends Candy Anderson and Donna Bishop.
Family will receive friends Thursday (9/19) from 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (9/20) at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Paw Paw, with interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church or School, Lawrence Lion's Club or Rose Arbor Hospice.