John William Lopez, Jr., age 55, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by his family. John was born on May 20, 1969, in Charlevoix, Michigan to John Lopez, Sr. and Debbie (Crandall) Lopez.
John graduated from Traverse City Central High School. After school John worked in several fields of work but he enjoyed carpet and flooring and concrete work the most. He also had his own power washing business.
John very much loved his partner of the last eighteen years, Wendy Brown. He often expressed how happy he was to finally have a family of his own. Spending time with his whole family was a happy time for him.
John loved everything about summer and being near the water. You would always know when summer was here because he would ditch his shoes and go on "walk abouts" either alone or with one of his many friends. John loved music, especially music from the classic bands of his era. When younger if there was a concert or musical festival, he wanted to see he would stick out his thumb and get rides to the venues. He truly had a free spirit. John was also known for his big heart and would do anything for anyone. He was always rooting for or helping the underdog. John loved animals of any kind and leaves behind his dog, Duke and four cats.
John is survived by his father, John Lopez, Sr., mother, Deb Crandall Stutzman and bonus dad, Gary Stutzman. He is also survived by his younger brother, Brad Lopez. John also leaves behind his partner, Wendy Brown, his children, Justin (Kristen) Arlt, Taylor Raphael and Nathan Lopez, bonus sons, Bradley Carother and Kyle Brown and grandchildren, Genesis and Eden Arlt and also, Emmett, and Emmalyn Brown (who referred to him as Grandpa Bubbles). John will also be greatly missed by Debbie Shemwell, his best friend.
There will be a celebration of John's life on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1 pm-4pm, at the American Military League, 2423 Sybrandt Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684. Please, since John was a "Dead Head" feel free to wear an old band shirt.
There will be an internment, for the family, of John's ashes in the summer.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of the Munson Hospital's ICU.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with John's family at his tribute page at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
.