Lopez, John L.
Saginaw, Michigan
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and "Coach" passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Age 82 years, son of the late Pedro "Pete" and Carmen (Cisneros) Lopez, John was born June 22, 1938 in Caro Michigan. With his parents, he worked at a young age farming sugar beets and taking care of livestock in Fairgrove Township. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve. John married Margarita Villanueva, the love of his life for 59 years, on November 4, 1961 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She survives him. A member of the Catholic parish of St. Joseph, he had also belonged to Sacred Heart and St. Stephens, and had been an active participant of the Curcillo, the Charismatic Renewal, a Eucharistic Minister, and took part in prison ministry with the KAIROS program. John professed a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin de Guadalupe, praying for Her guidance and protection during his entire life. He had a love for sports stemming from his youth as a St. Joseph Buccaneer, graduating in 1957 as a lettered athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a member of the St. Joseph HS Championship basketball team.
John coached youth teams for St. Stephens and for Saginaw Parks and Rec, his GM plant and was a co-founder of the Mexican American Athletic Club for Hispanic youth. His teams gathered kids from across all sides of Saginaw; east, west, south and even into Bridgeport, Buena Vista and Birch Run, teaching skills and instilling sportsmanship. He was a mentor to many young athletes; coaching and organizing several sport leagues and continued to be called, "Coach" throughout his life. Over the years he loved to dissect and self-critiqued games he had coached, sharing much-loved details and his respect for the players who gave their utmost, regardless their level of talent. He believed everyone was capable to rise to the occasion. He believed in morning practice, early morning practice. And if you were not early, you were late. He bowled in leagues at Timber Lanes, State Lanes and Stardust with his Dad, his brother Julian, friends Ray Soria and Manuel Cadena, and competed in multiple tournaments.
John was a faithful and dedicated employee of General Motors, moving his family from Detroit to Saginaw, working for 42 years at Grey Iron Foundry and Nodular Iron, retiring in 2005. With over forty years at the "plant", he worked for a time at the same location as his father and grandfather. He made friends at the card tables, was known for playing practical jokes, and worked hard at a job in an environment that was dirty, hot, noisy, and dangerous. He learned to communicate over the noise by using hand signals, something he carried over to his personal life forever. His hands were strong, he could crush a walnut in his palms. He had a whistle that could pierce the air, sharp and loud, and it meant "come over here", no doubt about it. He had a laugh that shook his body, but was quiet, infectious and made people smile. His own smile extended beyond his lips to his eyes and into the hearts of others. He could teach you how to throw a baseball, field a grounder, take a blocking foul, execute the bounce pass, bury your shoulder, run the pick-n-roll, pick up a spare, hold a golf club, and shoot pool. He knew endless card games and could shuffle and deal like a professional. When he snapped a card between his fingers it sounded like a whip cracking.
John had a gift of great memory, quest for knowledge and a passionate interest in people. He made strangers into friends wherever he went and never forgot a face. John was a storyteller; he could tell a good story, and then tell it again with some embellishment. He was good listener; his impact on others was far-reaching. He was the friend you kept forever; often visiting his High School classmates, coworkers, and relatives, sitting with them during illness and convalescence, his charm being he could talk to anyone about anything. His love of photography, technology and family led to documenting the lives around him and he always had a camera in his hand or around his neck. An appreciator of his Indigenous heritage; John collected Native American history and music and attending Pow wows. His many interests throughout the years led him to taking wood-burning and stained-glass courses, polished stone jewel making, iron working and photography. He loved Westerns in both movies and books, loved reading a variety of daily newspapers and magazines about the Southwest and attending car shows throughout the state.
John had a love of cars and the open road. He made many connections with new and old friends on long drives about his old rural neighborhoods, and hometowns. He could navigate the countryside across all local counties, taking drives through roads that paralleled fields of sugar beets, corn, green beans and crops which he could identify at a glance with accuracy while traveling 60+ mph. He gave directions by saying "turn east" and "head north" and if you followed his directions, you always got to your destination.
With his stories and life as an example of sportsmanship, dedication, humor, faith and hardwork, John's children have a lifetime of love and memories they will cherish forever. John's life is celebrated by family including his wife, two sons and two daughters, Gabriel and Amy Lopez, Jaime and Vilma Lopez, Victoria Lopez, and Leia Lopez-Gamboa and her husband Ray; seven grandchildren, Jewel (Tevin) Brinkley, Dain, Maya, Julian, Rayne, Rocco, and Jaia; a great-granddaughter Sailor, he affectionately called "Baby"; his brother Julian "Vince" and Carmen Lopez; much loved extended family, special in-laws and special God-children. Besides his loving parents, John was preceded in death by his precious infant grandson, Roman; cherished sister Gloria Hart and his dear mother-in-law, Esther Villanueva.
A special thank you from the family of John L. Lopez to The Care Team professionals, who supported with kindness, Saginaw County Commission on Aging for the love and care given, and to the UAW local 668 members who volunteered time, materials and effort to build a ramp to provide easier access to the residence Honoring the wishes of Margarita and the Lopez family, wearing of masks (even if already vaccinated) and social distancing will be observed while in St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N 6th Ave., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Francis W. Voris, OFM Cap will officiate with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may visit at the church where the family will be present on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Parish.
Saginaw, Michigan
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and "Coach" passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Age 82 years, son of the late Pedro "Pete" and Carmen (Cisneros) Lopez, John was born June 22, 1938 in Caro Michigan. With his parents, he worked at a young age farming sugar beets and taking care of livestock in Fairgrove Township. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve. John married Margarita Villanueva, the love of his life for 59 years, on November 4, 1961 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She survives him. A member of the Catholic parish of St. Joseph, he had also belonged to Sacred Heart and St. Stephens, and had been an active participant of the Curcillo, the Charismatic Renewal, a Eucharistic Minister, and took part in prison ministry with the KAIROS program. John professed a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin de Guadalupe, praying for Her guidance and protection during his entire life. He had a love for sports stemming from his youth as a St. Joseph Buccaneer, graduating in 1957 as a lettered athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a member of the St. Joseph HS Championship basketball team.
John coached youth teams for St. Stephens and for Saginaw Parks and Rec, his GM plant and was a co-founder of the Mexican American Athletic Club for Hispanic youth. His teams gathered kids from across all sides of Saginaw; east, west, south and even into Bridgeport, Buena Vista and Birch Run, teaching skills and instilling sportsmanship. He was a mentor to many young athletes; coaching and organizing several sport leagues and continued to be called, "Coach" throughout his life. Over the years he loved to dissect and self-critiqued games he had coached, sharing much-loved details and his respect for the players who gave their utmost, regardless their level of talent. He believed everyone was capable to rise to the occasion. He believed in morning practice, early morning practice. And if you were not early, you were late. He bowled in leagues at Timber Lanes, State Lanes and Stardust with his Dad, his brother Julian, friends Ray Soria and Manuel Cadena, and competed in multiple tournaments.
John was a faithful and dedicated employee of General Motors, moving his family from Detroit to Saginaw, working for 42 years at Grey Iron Foundry and Nodular Iron, retiring in 2005. With over forty years at the "plant", he worked for a time at the same location as his father and grandfather. He made friends at the card tables, was known for playing practical jokes, and worked hard at a job in an environment that was dirty, hot, noisy, and dangerous. He learned to communicate over the noise by using hand signals, something he carried over to his personal life forever. His hands were strong, he could crush a walnut in his palms. He had a whistle that could pierce the air, sharp and loud, and it meant "come over here", no doubt about it. He had a laugh that shook his body, but was quiet, infectious and made people smile. His own smile extended beyond his lips to his eyes and into the hearts of others. He could teach you how to throw a baseball, field a grounder, take a blocking foul, execute the bounce pass, bury your shoulder, run the pick-n-roll, pick up a spare, hold a golf club, and shoot pool. He knew endless card games and could shuffle and deal like a professional. When he snapped a card between his fingers it sounded like a whip cracking.
John had a gift of great memory, quest for knowledge and a passionate interest in people. He made strangers into friends wherever he went and never forgot a face. John was a storyteller; he could tell a good story, and then tell it again with some embellishment. He was good listener; his impact on others was far-reaching. He was the friend you kept forever; often visiting his High School classmates, coworkers, and relatives, sitting with them during illness and convalescence, his charm being he could talk to anyone about anything. His love of photography, technology and family led to documenting the lives around him and he always had a camera in his hand or around his neck. An appreciator of his Indigenous heritage; John collected Native American history and music and attending Pow wows. His many interests throughout the years led him to taking wood-burning and stained-glass courses, polished stone jewel making, iron working and photography. He loved Westerns in both movies and books, loved reading a variety of daily newspapers and magazines about the Southwest and attending car shows throughout the state.
John had a love of cars and the open road. He made many connections with new and old friends on long drives about his old rural neighborhoods, and hometowns. He could navigate the countryside across all local counties, taking drives through roads that paralleled fields of sugar beets, corn, green beans and crops which he could identify at a glance with accuracy while traveling 60+ mph. He gave directions by saying "turn east" and "head north" and if you followed his directions, you always got to your destination.
With his stories and life as an example of sportsmanship, dedication, humor, faith and hardwork, John's children have a lifetime of love and memories they will cherish forever. John's life is celebrated by family including his wife, two sons and two daughters, Gabriel and Amy Lopez, Jaime and Vilma Lopez, Victoria Lopez, and Leia Lopez-Gamboa and her husband Ray; seven grandchildren, Jewel (Tevin) Brinkley, Dain, Maya, Julian, Rayne, Rocco, and Jaia; a great-granddaughter Sailor, he affectionately called "Baby"; his brother Julian "Vince" and Carmen Lopez; much loved extended family, special in-laws and special God-children. Besides his loving parents, John was preceded in death by his precious infant grandson, Roman; cherished sister Gloria Hart and his dear mother-in-law, Esther Villanueva.
A special thank you from the family of John L. Lopez to The Care Team professionals, who supported with kindness, Saginaw County Commission on Aging for the love and care given, and to the UAW local 668 members who volunteered time, materials and effort to build a ramp to provide easier access to the residence Honoring the wishes of Margarita and the Lopez family, wearing of masks (even if already vaccinated) and social distancing will be observed while in St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N 6th Ave., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Francis W. Voris, OFM Cap will officiate with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may visit at the church where the family will be present on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Parish.
Lopez, John L.
Saginaw, Michigan
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and "Coach" passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Age 82 years, son of the late Pedro "Pete" and Carmen (Cisneros) Lopez, John was born June 22, 1938 in Caro Michigan. With his parents, he worked at a young age farming sugar beets and taking care of livestock in Fairgrove Township. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve. John married Margarita Villanueva, the love of his life for 59 years, on November 4, 1961 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She survives him. A member of the Catholic parish of St. Joseph, he had also belonged to Sacred Heart and St. Stephens, and had been an active participant of the Curcillo, the Charismatic Renewal, a Eucharistic Minister, and took part in prison ministry with the KAIROS program. John professed a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin de Guadalupe, praying for Her guidance and protection during his entire life. He had a love for sports stemming from his youth as a St. Joseph Buccaneer, graduating in 1957 as a lettered athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a member of the St. Joseph HS Championship basketball team.
John coached youth teams for St. Stephens and for Saginaw Parks and Rec, his GM plant and was a co-founder of the Mexican American Athletic Club for Hispanic youth. His teams gathered kids from across all sides of Saginaw; east, west, south and even into Bridgeport, Buena Vista and Birch Run, teaching skills and instilling sportsmanship. He was a mentor to many young athletes; coaching and organizing several sport leagues and continued to be called, "Coach" throughout his life. Over the years he loved to dissect and self-critiqued games he had coached, sharing much-loved details and his respect for the players who gave their utmost, regardless their level of talent. He believed everyone was capable to rise to the occasion. He believed in morning practice, early morning practice. And if you were not early, you were late. He bowled in leagues at Timber Lanes, State Lanes and Stardust with his Dad, his brother Julian, friends Ray Soria and Manuel Cadena, and competed in multiple tournaments.
John was a faithful and dedicated employee of General Motors, moving his family from Detroit to Saginaw, working for 42 years at Grey Iron Foundry and Nodular Iron, retiring in 2005. With over forty years at the "plant", he worked for a time at the same location as his father and grandfather. He made friends at the card tables, was known for playing practical jokes, and worked hard at a job in an environment that was dirty, hot, noisy, and dangerous. He learned to communicate over the noise by using hand signals, something he carried over to his personal life forever. His hands were strong, he could crush a walnut in his palms. He had a whistle that could pierce the air, sharp and loud, and it meant "come over here", no doubt about it. He had a laugh that shook his body, but was quiet, infectious and made people smile. His own smile extended beyond his lips to his eyes and into the hearts of others. He could teach you how to throw a baseball, field a grounder, take a blocking foul, execute the bounce pass, bury your shoulder, run the pick-n-roll, pick up a spare, hold a golf club, and shoot pool. He knew endless card games and could shuffle and deal like a professional. When he snapped a card between his fingers it sounded like a whip cracking.
John had a gift of great memory, quest for knowledge and a passionate interest in people. He made strangers into friends wherever he went and never forgot a face. John was a storyteller; he could tell a good story, and then tell it again with some embellishment. He was good listener; his impact on others was far-reaching. He was the friend you kept forever; often visiting his High School classmates, coworkers, and relatives, sitting with them during illness and convalescence, his charm being he could talk to anyone about anything. His love of photography, technology and family led to documenting the lives around him and he always had a camera in his hand or around his neck. An appreciator of his Indigenous heritage; John collected Native American history and music and attending Pow wows. His many interests throughout the years led him to taking wood-burning and stained-glass courses, polished stone jewel making, iron working and photography. He loved Westerns in both movies and books, loved reading a variety of daily newspapers and magazines about the Southwest and attending car shows throughout the state.
John had a love of cars and the open road. He made many connections with new and old friends on long drives about his old rural neighborhoods, and hometowns. He could navigate the countryside across all local counties, taking drives through roads that paralleled fields of sugar beets, corn, green beans and crops which he could identify at a glance with accuracy while traveling 60+ mph. He gave directions by saying "turn east" and "head north" and if you followed his directions, you always got to your destination.
With his stories and life as an example of sportsmanship, dedication, humor, faith and hardwork, John's children have a lifetime of love and memories they will cherish forever. John's life is celebrated by family including his wife, two sons and two daughters, Gabriel and Amy Lopez, Jaime and Vilma Lopez, Victoria Lopez, and Leia Lopez-Gamboa and her husband Ray; seven grandchildren, Jewel (Tevin) Brinkley, Dain, Maya, Julian, Rayne, Rocco, and Jaia; a great-granddaughter Sailor, he affectionately called "Baby"; his brother Julian "Vince" and Carmen Lopez; much loved extended family, special in-laws and special God-children. Besides his loving parents, John was preceded in death by his precious infant grandson, Roman; cherished sister Gloria Hart and his dear mother-in-law, Esther Villanueva.
A special thank you from the family of John L. Lopez to The Care Team professionals, who supported with kindness, Saginaw County Commission on Aging for the love and care given, and to the UAW local 668 members who volunteered time, materials and effort to build a ramp to provide easier access to the residence Honoring the wishes of Margarita and the Lopez family, wearing of masks (even if already vaccinated) and social distancing will be observed while in St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N 6th Ave., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Francis W. Voris, OFM Cap will officiate with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may visit at the church where the family will be present on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Parish.
Saginaw, Michigan
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and "Coach" passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Age 82 years, son of the late Pedro "Pete" and Carmen (Cisneros) Lopez, John was born June 22, 1938 in Caro Michigan. With his parents, he worked at a young age farming sugar beets and taking care of livestock in Fairgrove Township. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve. John married Margarita Villanueva, the love of his life for 59 years, on November 4, 1961 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She survives him. A member of the Catholic parish of St. Joseph, he had also belonged to Sacred Heart and St. Stephens, and had been an active participant of the Curcillo, the Charismatic Renewal, a Eucharistic Minister, and took part in prison ministry with the KAIROS program. John professed a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin de Guadalupe, praying for Her guidance and protection during his entire life. He had a love for sports stemming from his youth as a St. Joseph Buccaneer, graduating in 1957 as a lettered athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a member of the St. Joseph HS Championship basketball team.
John coached youth teams for St. Stephens and for Saginaw Parks and Rec, his GM plant and was a co-founder of the Mexican American Athletic Club for Hispanic youth. His teams gathered kids from across all sides of Saginaw; east, west, south and even into Bridgeport, Buena Vista and Birch Run, teaching skills and instilling sportsmanship. He was a mentor to many young athletes; coaching and organizing several sport leagues and continued to be called, "Coach" throughout his life. Over the years he loved to dissect and self-critiqued games he had coached, sharing much-loved details and his respect for the players who gave their utmost, regardless their level of talent. He believed everyone was capable to rise to the occasion. He believed in morning practice, early morning practice. And if you were not early, you were late. He bowled in leagues at Timber Lanes, State Lanes and Stardust with his Dad, his brother Julian, friends Ray Soria and Manuel Cadena, and competed in multiple tournaments.
John was a faithful and dedicated employee of General Motors, moving his family from Detroit to Saginaw, working for 42 years at Grey Iron Foundry and Nodular Iron, retiring in 2005. With over forty years at the "plant", he worked for a time at the same location as his father and grandfather. He made friends at the card tables, was known for playing practical jokes, and worked hard at a job in an environment that was dirty, hot, noisy, and dangerous. He learned to communicate over the noise by using hand signals, something he carried over to his personal life forever. His hands were strong, he could crush a walnut in his palms. He had a whistle that could pierce the air, sharp and loud, and it meant "come over here", no doubt about it. He had a laugh that shook his body, but was quiet, infectious and made people smile. His own smile extended beyond his lips to his eyes and into the hearts of others. He could teach you how to throw a baseball, field a grounder, take a blocking foul, execute the bounce pass, bury your shoulder, run the pick-n-roll, pick up a spare, hold a golf club, and shoot pool. He knew endless card games and could shuffle and deal like a professional. When he snapped a card between his fingers it sounded like a whip cracking.
John had a gift of great memory, quest for knowledge and a passionate interest in people. He made strangers into friends wherever he went and never forgot a face. John was a storyteller; he could tell a good story, and then tell it again with some embellishment. He was good listener; his impact on others was far-reaching. He was the friend you kept forever; often visiting his High School classmates, coworkers, and relatives, sitting with them during illness and convalescence, his charm being he could talk to anyone about anything. His love of photography, technology and family led to documenting the lives around him and he always had a camera in his hand or around his neck. An appreciator of his Indigenous heritage; John collected Native American history and music and attending Pow wows. His many interests throughout the years led him to taking wood-burning and stained-glass courses, polished stone jewel making, iron working and photography. He loved Westerns in both movies and books, loved reading a variety of daily newspapers and magazines about the Southwest and attending car shows throughout the state.
John had a love of cars and the open road. He made many connections with new and old friends on long drives about his old rural neighborhoods, and hometowns. He could navigate the countryside across all local counties, taking drives through roads that paralleled fields of sugar beets, corn, green beans and crops which he could identify at a glance with accuracy while traveling 60+ mph. He gave directions by saying "turn east" and "head north" and if you followed his directions, you always got to your destination.
With his stories and life as an example of sportsmanship, dedication, humor, faith and hardwork, John's children have a lifetime of love and memories they will cherish forever. John's life is celebrated by family including his wife, two sons and two daughters, Gabriel and Amy Lopez, Jaime and Vilma Lopez, Victoria Lopez, and Leia Lopez-Gamboa and her husband Ray; seven grandchildren, Jewel (Tevin) Brinkley, Dain, Maya, Julian, Rayne, Rocco, and Jaia; a great-granddaughter Sailor, he affectionately called "Baby"; his brother Julian "Vince" and Carmen Lopez; much loved extended family, special in-laws and special God-children. Besides his loving parents, John was preceded in death by his precious infant grandson, Roman; cherished sister Gloria Hart and his dear mother-in-law, Esther Villanueva.
A special thank you from the family of John L. Lopez to The Care Team professionals, who supported with kindness, Saginaw County Commission on Aging for the love and care given, and to the UAW local 668 members who volunteered time, materials and effort to build a ramp to provide easier access to the residence Honoring the wishes of Margarita and the Lopez family, wearing of masks (even if already vaccinated) and social distancing will be observed while in St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N 6th Ave., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Francis W. Voris, OFM Cap will officiate with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may visit at the church where the family will be present on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Parish.
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