John Fouch

TRAVERSE CITY – John Fouch, 95, of Traverse City passed away Saturday, February 13, 2021 at his home in the loving care of his family and caregivers of Hospice of Michigan.

John was born on April 23, 1925 to the late John and Anna (Watkoski) Fouch. He was the eldest of nine children on the family farm homesteaded by his great-grandfather JR Fouch in Leelanau County, Elmwood Township. John grew up in Traverse City where he graduated from Central high School in 1943. Following graduation John enlisted in the United States Navy where he served during WWII. He was discharged in 1946. John then married Ellen Prouty in 1948. Ellen passed away in 1987.
John was employed by Grand Traverse Auto where he retired after 62 years of service. For over 25 years, John served at a service manager. John was a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge and was Elk of the year, 1980-1981. John loved to hunt, fish, and was a superb athlete. He played baseball for years. In later years, a perfect day for John was a visit to the casino, play poker the senior center or play a few games of cribbage with his brother, Jerry.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jeri (Houghton) Fouch, son, John E. (Kit) Fouch, daughter, Cindra A. Kaplan, and step-daughters; Kristolyn Denny and Wendy Witkop. John is also survived by his siblings; Jerry Fouch, Julian (Theresa) Fouch, Jay A. Fouch, brother-in-law, A. Russell Gray, Charles N. Kibby, sister-in-law, Jean Watkoski, grandchildren; Shari (Joe Lanzesira) Prevost, Shawna (John) Lyman, Scott (Rachel) Fouch, Nick (Elena) Fouch, Melissa Fouch, Evan Foster, Shannon Bradley, Jacob (Kensi) Kaplan, Kristolyn (Matthew) Stafford, Drew Cassell, Michael (Cassandra) Gary , Andrew (Jessica) Gary, and Jamie Gary, great-grandchildren; Jaden Prevost, Cole Prevost, Emory Fouch, Landry Fouch, Warren Asher, Tessa Asher, Luca Lanzesira, Mykenna Foster, Tyler Foster, Jeffery Fouch, Robert Stafford.
John was preceded in death by his first wife, Ellen, son, Jeffery Fouch, sisters; Jacqulyn Carlson, Joy Gray, Joan Mathison, Janet Kibby, sister-in-law, Jessie Fouch and infant brother.

A visitation for John will take place on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Due to COVID restrictions a private family funeral service will take place the following day, Friday, February 19th at 11:00 AM at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home where Father Anthony Citro will preside. Friends may tune in to a live stream of the funeral by visiting www.rjfh.tv .

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E Traverse Hwy STE 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684.