John A. Detroyer, 89

John A. Detroyer, 89, of Riley Township, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, in the comfort of his home with family by his side.

He was born in Utica, March 8, 1935. He was the son of the late John A. and Mary (Rinke) Detroyer.

His marriage to Julia Ann Titterington was July 3, 1954, in Utica.

John was a parishioner at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Emmett, where he served as an altar server for several years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, holding a Third and Fourth Degree status. John was actively involved in the “Joyful Notes” and “Servants of Love” music groups, playing the guitar and violin. During his 35-year career at the Macomb Daily publication, he began as a printer and progressed to become an electronic technician while maintaining a membership in the International Typographical Union for 60 years until his retirement in 1997. John was exceptionally talented and driven to succeed in all his endeavors. He built a wooden outboard boat from plans found in a Popular Mechanics magazine. He constructed a full motorcycle out of parts cast away in a few milk crates. He held a Michigan Master Mechanic license and successfully repaired many vehicles with severe body and frame damage. He was an accomplished man, constructing his own sawmill, crafting numerous furniture items using the lumber he had cut. He independently built seven homes for his family. John was passionate about photography and at one time had his own darkroom. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and horses.

Surviving in addition to Julia Ann, his wife of 70 years, are two sons, John (Debi) Detroyer of Lapeer and James (Darla) Detroyer of Riley Township, and two daughters, Lucy (James) Burleigh of Indiana and Lois (Don) Koltunowicz of Dryden; nine grandchildren, Tonya (Rick) Clemente, Carissa Detroyer, Nathan Burleigh, Angie (Harold) Schiebel, Joe (Tiffany) Koltunowicz, Jessica (Chad) Meyers, Jade (Brandon) Caron, James (Alyssa) Detroyer, Dr. Ian Detroyer and Cole Meyers; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Delores Blake and Mary Ann (Tom) Janicki, as well as several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Irene Detroyer and Barb Goike, and brother-in-laws Richard Goike. Bob Blake and Richard Titterington.

The family honors the memory of John and invites you to attend the Rite of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Emmett, with 9:30 a.m. visiting. Fr. Tom Kuehnemund will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to Mass or “Wishes of the Family”.

For more information and Tribute Wall visit: KaatzFunerals.com