"Willie" as he was known by his family, the youngest of ten children, learned the value of hard work as he was raised on the family dairy farm. After volunteering for the draft and serving with the paratroopers in occupied Japan, John returned to start his first career in finance. Starting in collections for a finance company he rose to Vice President of the First National Bank of Elgin. At the same time he started his family, marrying Diane Swift in 1959 and raising two children. In 1985 they moved to Asheville. He started his second career in employment services purchasing Friday Staffing, nurturing and growing it into the largest firm in the region. All the while he continued with his passion in golf, bringing his handicap as low as 8. His passion for Diane continued through 2000 after their 40th anniversary, when she succumbed to Ataxia. Twice lucky in love John married Betty Ann in 2006 and they enjoyed a wonderful life together.
John is survived by his wife Betty Ann; his children, David and Lynda; his grandchildren Caitlyn, Jake, Deanne, Haley and Neil; his brother Donald and sister Florence.
In addition to Diane and his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Anna, Raymond, Cora, Esther, Edward, Louise and Clarence.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 13, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church with reception to follow.
Information provided by Helen A (ID 46831582)
"Willie" as he was known by his family, the youngest of ten children, learned the value of hard work as he was raised on the family dairy farm. After volunteering for the draft and serving with the paratroopers in occupied Japan, John returned to start his first career in finance. Starting in collections for a finance company he rose to Vice President of the First National Bank of Elgin. At the same time he started his family, marrying Diane Swift in 1959 and raising two children. In 1985 they moved to Asheville. He started his second career in employment services purchasing Friday Staffing, nurturing and growing it into the largest firm in the region. All the while he continued with his passion in golf, bringing his handicap as low as 8. His passion for Diane continued through 2000 after their 40th anniversary, when she succumbed to Ataxia. Twice lucky in love John married Betty Ann in 2006 and they enjoyed a wonderful life together.
John is survived by his wife Betty Ann; his children, David and Lynda; his grandchildren Caitlyn, Jake, Deanne, Haley and Neil; his brother Donald and sister Florence.
In addition to Diane and his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Anna, Raymond, Cora, Esther, Edward, Louise and Clarence.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 13, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church with reception to follow.
Information provided by Helen A (ID 46831582)
Family Members
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Anna Caroline Modaff Hoffman
1918–1999
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Raymond Nicholas Modaff
1919–1979
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Cora Marie Modaff Baumann
1920–1955
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Esther Doris Modaff Trompeter
1922–2007
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Edward Mathias Michael Modaff
1923–2008
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Louise Clair Modaff Deutsch
1925–2006
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Clarence Peter Modaff
1928–2004
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Florence Angeline Modaff Schmidt
1931–2013
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Donald L Modaff
1932 – unknown
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