John Germain

John S. Germain, of Lake Orion, MI, passed away on June 29, 2023 at the age of 78, when his heart, that had loved so much, decided that it was time to return to his heavenly home.

John was born on May 14, 1945, to Joseph and Ardyce Germain in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. While at MSU he met the first love of his life, Vivi Anne, at the local ice-skating rink. John and Vivi Anne would marry and have three children, Jennifer, John, and Mark. They shared 37 years together before Vivi Anne passed away in 2005.

In 2007, John was lucky to meet the second love of his life when clever friends in their card playing group sat John at the same table as Karlene. John and Karlene married in 2009 and enjoyed many adventures together in their 16 years of marriage. When they got the itch to travel, they bought a pull-behind camper, which quickly grew to an RV, and later a Class A bus, which they used to explore all that this country has to offer. Friends to all they met, John and Karlene quickly developed a broad network of treasured friends from these adventures. In recent years, John and Karlene have loved the “snowbird” life in Seminole, Florida. At their Florida home, John enjoyed fishing for bass, catfish, and alligators right outside his back door.

John was the neighbor who fixed anything that needed fixing, taking care of many of his neighbors and friends by applying his engineering skills to find solutions to help with mobility and medical appointments. John was not one to sit still, always looking for new ways to help.

John was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and a life-long camper. He loved spending time at the nearly century-old Buckhorn Club cabin in the U.P., fishing for brook trout and trading stories about who caught the most and the largest fish. He was active in Scouts. He was a fine woodworker who created beautiful jewelry boxes to model boats to playhouses for his kids.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ardy Germain, and his wife Vivi Anne. He is survived by his wife, Karlene; his sister, Jo (Don) Oostveen; his children, Jennifer (Brad) Braun, John A. Germain, Mark (Jenn Sutherland) Germain and Maurice (Katie) Cox; and his grandchildren, Matthew Braun, Redd Braun, Nathan Cox, and Alyse Cox.

Visitation and services will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 2700 Walden Road, Orion Township, MI 48360. Visitation will be held from 10-11am with Mass starting at 11am and luncheon at the church will follow.