John T. Wichman, 79, of Lakeview, Michigan, passed away on August 21, 2026.

John was born July 19, 1947, in New York, and spent much of his early life in New Jersey. Later years took him to Florida, and eventually to Lakeview, Michigan, which became his final home.

From 1969 to 1970, John served in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. He carried that service with him for the rest of his life and spoke of it with pride. He was a devoted member of VFW Hough-Pontius Post 3701 in Lakeview, where he served as commander and later as chaplain. In March of 2019 he traveled to Lansing and delivered the invocation before a session of the Michigan Senate, a day he was proud of. The company of fellow veterans meant a great deal to him.

That same instinct showed up in the work he chose. He served as a firefighter until an injury brought that chapter to a close, and for years afterward he worked as a security guard in malls across Florida, looking out for the people who passed through them.

In his retirement years, John took a job as a cashier at Leppink’s Food Center in Lakeview. He enjoyed it because it kept him around people, talking with familiar faces and meeting new ones. He had an endearing personality, and customers remembered him. Many became friends, and when he wasn’t there, he was missed.

His passion in life was being there for people. That is how his family chooses to remember him: the man who served others.

John was a practicing Lutheran.

He is survived by his significant other, Teresa Hendrie; his children, Jason Wichman, Jessica Williams (Hendrie), Joseph Hendrie, Junior Gonzalez, Matthew Vinson, and Kyle Hendrie-Evans and his wife, Melissa; his grandchildren, Rashawn, Demario, and Jaceyon; his sister, Joyce Wichman Ranck Sherman, and her husband, Walter, of Chicago; his nephew, Peter Ranck; his niece, Karen Russo; many others who called him grandpa; and his faithful companion, his dog Zumba.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Lakeview.

A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined. Those wishing to attend may contact Kyle at (616) 585-1528 for more information.