John W. Bifoss Sr.

John W Bifoss Sr.,93, passed into the arms of his Lord on 1 May 2020. He was surrounded by his family who loved him.

Born, raised and lived in northern Michigan, he served his country honorably in the Army at the end of WWII.

He was a long-time educator, teaching and coaching high school sports in Michigan for over 33 years. He loved the outdoors, and all types of recreational activity. He was a king salmon commercial fisherman in Alaska for many years, and an especially avid tennis player with a public court dedicated to his honor in Houghton Lake.

He was born on 14 Jan 1927 to Benjamin Ball and Clara Michael (Eppiphanowski) Bifoss.

He is survived by his spouse of over 68 years, Shirley (MacGregor), and children John Jr. (Pam) of Vanderbilt, Robert Benjamin (Ann) of Manistee, Rebecca Shultz (Kevin) of Orlando, FL, and Mary Reynolds (Bob) of St. Peters, MO. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren (and one more almost here).

He was predeceased by son Paul Daniel, and all ten of his brothers and sisters.

John was the patriarch of his family, and a man of intense personal faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His life was an example for the rewards of hard work, honest, integrity and honor. He will be sorely missed.

A celebration of his life will be at 12:00 noon Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Vanderbilt Community Church. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Vanderbilt Community Church the Salvation Army or The Brook in Gaylord.

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