John Patrick Neph

John Patrick Neph, 88 of Gaylord, passed away at home on Monday, December 28, 2020.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on November 6, 1932, he was the son of John Richard and Mary Margaret (Crinion) Neph.  He grew up in Detroit and Lake Orion and graduated from Lake Orion High School.

While still living in Lake Orion, John worked with his dad in plumbing & heating.  In 1972 he moved to Gaylord where he first went to work in maintenance at the Chalet. He also purchased and operated the Alpine Motel and the Hamlet Motel, both on Old-27 in Gaylord.

Later John moved to Ontonagon in the Upper Peninsula where he owned Adventure Copper Mine, giving tours of the abandoned mine.  After returning to Gaylord he continued to work for a few years as a driver in home health care.

In his spare time he was an avid reader, particularly enjoying Michigan and American history.  He also enjoyed collecting model cars.  John was a parishioner at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord.

In 2009 while at the Sportsplex, John met his future wife, Carol.  They were married on July 22, 2009.

In addition to his wife, Carol, John is survived by his children, John (Betsy) Neph of Bear Lake, David (Julie) Neph of Cheboygan, Leslie (Tim) Payne of Cascade, CO, Larry Crawford of Gaylord, Juliet (Mike) Pattullo of Colorado Springs, CO; his step children, Dawn Edwards, Darcy Baker, Denise Baker, Dwayne Baker and David Baker; grandchildren, Alex, Lindsay, Leah, Matthew, David Jr., Daniel, Sylvia and Johnny and several step-grandchildren.  Also surviving is his brother, James (Mary) Neph of Arizona and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ann Margaret Rockafellow; two grandchildren, Andrew Jacob Neph and Catherine Ann Neph.

Visitation will be held at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service from 2:00-5:00 PM Sunday, January 3, 2021 followed by a Rosary for the family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, January 4. 2021 at St. Mary Cathedral where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospice or American Cancer society.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com