John Tobias

John Eugene Tobias came into this world on January 11, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. In the early hours of November 25 John passed away at the age of 92 comforted by his loving wife and family. John Eugene Tobias, known by all as "Tobe", was the son of Katherine Berneice Manning and Edward Tobias. He grew up in Detroit and graduated from St. Mary's of Redford High School. He was working in the reference department at the Detroit News when he met Kathryn (Kay) Buekers at a wedding reception and decided she should be the mother of his children. He won a dance with her on a fifty-cent bet and thus began their life together. Just three weeks into their courtship, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the nation was at war. Tobe enlisted in the Coast Guard and was sent to Curtis Bay, Maryland for basic training. He came home on leave to marry Kay on November 21, 1942. During World War II Tobe served in the dangerous waters of the Atlantic aboard the USS Leopold, the Pacific aboard the Patrol Frigate GRAND FORKS, and on the Great Lakes. When the war was over Tobe and Kay made their home in Ann Arbor. He spent many years employed by the Ann Arbor Construction Company then Clark Block and Supply. Tobe and Kay moved to Kalamazoo in 1987 and immediately became immersed in their new community. Tobe was loved and admired by everyone who knew him. He defined the meaning of "husband" and "father". Men tried to emulate him and women wanted to marry someone like him. He did whatever it took to make sure his family was provided for, even shoveling snow at the school to help pay for his children's Catholic education, and often working more than one job to keep food on the table and every Christmas and birthday special. He taught his children about truth, honor and integrity, and how to laugh, deal with tragedy, and play well with others. He loved reading, listening to the music of the big bands, golf and an occasional game of Bridge. He always had time for a little "catch" with his sons or fixing his daughters' roller skates, building a sandbox, or aiming the garden hose on the roof when he knew his daughters were sunbathing up there. He never spoke badly of anyone, always saw the glass as half full, and exuded patience and wisdom. After the children were "launched", he and Kay took their first vacations and, over the years, enjoyed trips to Europe and cruises in the Caribbean and Panama. John is survived by his wife Kathryn (Buekers); his children Carol (Budd) Hansen, Susan Wilder (Michael Jewell), Peggy (John) Hopkins, Sally (Nick) Popa, Gary (Lori) Tobias, Gail (Victor) Smith, Kate (Pat) Nagy, Martha (Bob) Johnston, and John Edward Tobias (Lisa Abbott), as well as numerous grand and great-grand children. He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Jane Scott, his parents Edward and Kathryn, his two sisters Kate Wright, and Marion McGrain and his brother Edward. Tobe and Kay had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on November 21, 2012. He was able to enjoy many of the festivities with his family and friends before he suddenly took ill late Saturday night and was taken to Bronson Hospital where he passed away early Sunday morning. The family would like to thank the staff at Bronson Hospital for their extraordinary care and compassion. Services will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Friday, December 7th at 2:30 p.m. Fort Custer is located at 15501 Dickman Road in Augusta, MI. Memorials may be sent to Loaves and Fishes, an emergency food connection in Kalamazoo County. They are located at 901 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001. If you prefer to make a food donation in Tobe's memory, please include jelly. He put it on everything. Friends may view photos or share memories at www.avinkcremation.com