John Barch Jr. age 85, of Manistee, Michigan drifted peacefully into mortal slumber and into blessed eternal life at his home on the sunny Tuesday morning of June 23, 2015. He passed with the love and support of his son Shawn K. Barch and cousin, Greta Strandberg holding his hands and helping usher him into his spiritual journey to heaven.
He was born in Lee County, Illinois on his parent's kitchen table on September 7, 1929. John was the eldest of three children. In his lifetime, he was an avid fisherman and felt most at peace in God's creation sitting up the river fishing a favorite spot on a sunny fall day.
Though life took John on many journeys, the best one he felt was the one he took to pursue and finally wear down his soulmate Laurinda Lee to marry him July 11, 1964, and together bring their son Shawn into the world on August 15, 1965.
John was a 1947 graduate of Manistee High School and enjoyed every opportunity he had to meet with his fellow classmates for their reunions.
John is survived by many friends, loved ones and family, some of which are his son Shawn K. Barch and his partner Andrew A. Reis of Saginaw, his sisters; Shirley Krause and Alice Clark both of Manistee, his brothers-in-law; Gary & Kathy Block of Manistee, Kevin & Peggy Block of St. Joseph, MI, Brad & Bonnie Block of Oregon and Cory & Lisa Block of Manistee, sister-in-law; Ruth (Block) Burns of Pennsylvania, and a special mention of his wife's cousins; Cindy & Jim Karnisz and Greta & Kevin Strandberg.
He was preceded in death by many of his friends, family and loved ones, but notably his wife and the love of his life Laurinda; his parents John & Helen Barch; his parents-in-law Harold & Alice Block; and the loved ones, Stephen Strandberg and Tedra Karnisz.
Funeral Services for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 27, 2015 at the Assembly of God Church in Manistee with Pastor Patrick Pointer officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery also in Manistee. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at the V.F.W. Walsh Post #4499 of Manistee immediately following the graveside service. A luncheon will be held immediately following the graveside service at the V.F.W. Walsh Post #4499 of Manistee.
The family will receive friends at the Herbert Funeral Home on Friday, June 26, 2015 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. and also at the church on Saturday morning one hour prior to the funeral service.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.