Jan. 16, 1932 – Dec. 26, 2017

John Robert East, 85, of Niles, passed away unexpectedly due to an accident at his home on Dec. 26, 2017.

John was born on Jan. 16, 1932, to the late Eugene and Frieda East in Niles. After graduating from high school, John joined the United States Navy and served until 1953. After returning home he began to work for Kawneer. On November 5, 1954, John wed Patricia “Pat” Prenkert at a ceremony in Niles. The two loved an adventure together. John spent his free time hunting, fishing, waterskiing, boating, and mushroom hunting up north. John and Pat, with the help of their children, customized their log cabin home by hand. He was so proud of the work he had done and the help he had received from his sons with all the woodwork. John also enjoyed learning about his ancestry from his daughter.

John was the youngest member of the “25 Year Club” at Kawneer; he worked there right up until the day they closed their doors for good. He was a proud man, a generous dad, and a great friend who was known to be straightforward but loved old stale jokes.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Frieda, and his sister Vivian Bolton.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pat; children, Dan East of Niles, Shelly (Dale) Gibson of Niles, and Scott East of Niles; grandchildren, Whitney (Preston) Burr of Niles, Gabrielle Gibson of New Troy, and Korynn East of Niles; great-granddaughter, Skylar Burr; Brother, Michael East of Berrien Springs; and many extended family members and close friends.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate John’s life were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at Brown Funeral Home, with a time of visitation one hour prior.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.