John R. Walsh, Jr. passed on November 22, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. John is the son of John R. Walsh and Dorothy V. (Twomey) Walsh. John was born February 19, 1940 in Detroit, MI. His family moved to West Branch, MI in 1944. He graduated in 1958 from West Branch High School, where he played football and basketball. John enlisted in the US Army September 1958 to September 1960. His first 2 years were spent in Germany as a counselor for other soldiers as they faced adjustment problems in a foreign country. John worked for Ralph Nelson at Ogemaw Trails Pontiac Buick GMC, as a bookkeeper and general manager, later becoming owner with Ralph Nelson for many years. John later sold cars for Wiltse Pontiac Buck GMC and Hart Buick GMC until he retired. John loved bowling and golfing as well as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping, activities he enjoyed with his wife, his family, and many friends.
John and his wife Donna Jean (Pekrul) Walsh married in 1964 at the First Methodist Church in West Branch. They spent 57 years together enjoying life and blessings of Michigan’s great outdoors and wonderful friends. John had a smile and listening ear for everyone.
John is survived by his loving wife, Donna, daughter Diana (Brad) Bissonette and grandson Tanner J. and granddaughter Savanna J. of Gladwin, MI. son Michael J. (Tammi) Walsh of West Branch. granddaughter Kathleen Walsh (Nick Thompson) and great granddaughter Charlotte Bell of Bay City, MI. grandson Austin (Kayla Webb) Krawczyk, great granddaughter Addalynn and great grandson Maverick Krawczyk of Millington, MI, and grandson Alex (Kaitlyn Bowles) Krawczyk and future great grandson of Roses, MI.
John also leaves behind his brothers David G. (Ruthann) Walsh of Savannah, GA, and Richard (Debbie) Walsh of Bay City, MI, sister-in-law Lisa Walsh of West Branch, and several nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his parents John R. and Dorothy V. (Twomey) Walsh, brother Brian N. Walsh, grandparents George and Florence Brown, uncle Leo V. and aunt Lillian Walsh
Visitation for John will be on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. Funeral service for John will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 2490 West State Rd. West Branch. Pastor Tim Dibble will officiate. John will be laid to rest at Brookside Cemetery, West Branch.
Remembrances can be made to First United Methodist Church in West Branch.
Condolences to John’s family can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
