Born: May 28, 1924

Died: Feb. 19, 2013

John “Jack” Kools, 88, of Owosso, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at the Veteran’s Hospital in Saginaw.

A memorial mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Pastors Michael O’Brien and John Fain officiating.

John was born May 28, 1924, in Kalamazoo, the son of Benjamin and Jane (Stakem) Kools.

He grew up in Niles. Following graduation from Niles High School in 1943, his studies took him to Western Michigan University.

His studies at the university were interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Balao Submarine, until the end of World War II. John then went on to work for Hughes in Marino Del Rey, Calif., for several years and finally to Ford Aero Space, where he worked on government contracts.

After retirement, John earned a pilot license and enjoyed 10 years of flying, fishing and golfing in Payson, Ariz..

He also looked forward to playing bridge with friends in Owosso and cheering for Notre Dame football.

John married Lynn Boylind on Aug. 11, 1972.

He is survived by his beloved wife and dearest friend, Lynn; daughter, Caroline Abram, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sister, Patricia Bonfoey and her children, of Alpena; grandsons, Matt, Greg and Will Abram; great-granddaughters, Allie and Sienna Abram, of Phoenix, Ariz.; nieces, Maureen Cannon, Jane Sawer and Gussy Rheaume; nephew, Jim Gray; and Lynn’s extensive family in California.

John is predeceased by his daughter, Maureen Kools, and three siblings.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shiawassee Humane Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at Nelson-House.com.