John Michael McAllister
(January 19, 1948 - August 2, 2006)
 

Wetmore

John Michael McAllister, age 58, of Wetmore, died at 6:32 p.m. on August 2, 2006 surrounded by his loved ones after an admirable battle with cancer. John was born January 19, 1948 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Raised in Ann Arbor, he graduated from Ann Arbor High School, where he was a valuable member of the football and wrestling teams. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1971 from Northern Michigan University with a dual major in business and history. After college, John served his country in the United States Marine Corps for a brief time until he was awarded with an honorable medical discharge. He then embarked on a life long career, which included numerous management positions with Ford Motor Company. He committed over twenty-nine years to Ford, transferring often, but residing the last thirteen years of his career in Brecksville, Ohio. John retired as a District Manager in 2005 at which time he and his wife, Lesa, pursued their dream of moving to the Upper Peninsula. He cherished his time with Lesa who he met in the summer of 1989 in New Boston, Michigan. They were married on August 9, 1991. John and Lesa are soulmates!

John will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Lesa McAllister of Wolf Lake – Wetmore; daughters – Kristin (Rusty) Sulecki of Traverse City and Shanna McAllister of Brecksville, OH; step-son – Jamie Holland of Barberton, OH; grandchildren – Ben and Janie Sulecki of Traverse City; his in-laws on Lesa’s side of his family – including his mother-in-law – Ruth Scarborough of New Boston, MI, father-in-law – Robert (Dorothy) Scarborough of Bellaire, MI, Lesa’s grandmother – Leona Schuessler of New Boston, MI; and numerous friends including lifelong friends. Among other people who were special in John’s life were treasured friends from Ohio and Bethel Lutheran Church, hunting and woodworking buddies, many new local connections in the Upper Peninsula and countless others. He expressed deep and unconditional love for all his family and friends. John is also survived by his twin brother James (Phyllis) Patterson McAllister II, two other siblings, and a special aunt, Nancy McAllister of Ann Arbor.

John was preceded in death by his parents, James Patterson McAllister and Kathryn (nee Lemon) McAllister. John wrote his father’s obituary and his eloquent description of his dad holds true for him as well: He has “left a profoundly positive, permanent and indelible imprint on all who knew (him). (His) steadfast devotion to family has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all who follow.” John’s beautiful words, humorous sayings (“Johnisms”), and insightful advice will be treasured in the hearts and minds of all those who had the honor of knowing him.

Everyone in John’s life was also touched by his incredible love for woodworking and nature. He was especially proud of his beautiful Windsor chairs and handmade tables using primarily antique tools. His woodworking was a unique gift and precious art. In addition, he loved hunting, fishing, and being in the woods. He always said that he felt closest to God in the woods.

Visitation for family and friends was held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Friday evening from 5:00 until 9:00. Rev. Dr. Lynn Hubbard conducted John’s funeral service at the Eden Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2006. Burial was at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising and John was escorted by Jim Frame, J.R. Mechling, Rusty Sulecki, Dave Juchartz, Jeff LaRose, and Steve, Glenn, and Brian Scarborough. A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Byron Arledge and Rev. Richard Gordon on Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church 3852 Everett Road, Bath, Ohio. Memorials in memory of John may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Northwoods Hospice in Munising.

Submitted by Char Livermore