John H. Summers

Born September 13, 1949, in Detroit, a son of Henry I. and Gail M. (Braford) Summers, John was raised in Mt Clemens, moving to Harvey with his family in 1963, and graduated from Marquette Senior High School, Class of 1967. He was inducted into the US Army in June 1969, serving overseas during the Vietnam Era. Following his honorable discharge in May 1971, John returned to the area where he owned and operated a horse farm in Carlshend, while also being employed at the Northwoods Supper Club as a bartender/cook. In the early 1970’s, John’s parents opened an A & W Restaurant in Marquette followed by one in Harvey in 1974. The restaurant was a family operation and John, along with his siblings, assisted their parents in its operation. For a time, John was employed as a salesman with Dictation Systems while also attending Northern Michigan University. However, his longest employment was as a heavy equipment operator with Oberstar, Inc., a position he held for many years, retiring due to ill health. John loved the outdoors and all that nature had to offer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling, and 4-wheeling. A skilled softball player from his youth, John also played on the A & W and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church teams in later years. He also enjoyed collecting sailboat models, photos, and other sailboat memorabilia.

John is survived by a daughter, Lindsey Summers of Menominee, MI; his grandchildren, Jeffery, Michael, and Dylan Perkins; his siblings, Michael (Georgia) Summers of Skandia, Cathy (Bob) Forsman of Hancock, Susan (Tony) Mills of Laurel, MD, Patti (Chuck) Bergdahl of Skandia, and Dan Summers of Marquette; many nieces and nephews; and his longtime employer and best friend, Chuck (Janet) Oberstar of Marquette.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Jacobetti Home for Veterans for their compassionate and professional care of John and for the many kindnesses extended to his family.

Graveside services, with veterans honors, will be held in the spring at the Haglund Cemetery in Skandia and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com