TRAVERSE CITY — A kind and gentle man who loved his wife, children, church, and work was called to his heavenly Father. John Anthony Maxbauer passed peacefully Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, after living a long and fruitful life.John was born in Traverse City on April 21, 1920, to Anthony and Catherine Maxbauer, and was the eldest of their two children. He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1938 and attended Michigan State University.John married the love of his life, Margaret M. Walters (who sat ahead of him in history class at St. Francis), on Sept. 6, 1942, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cedar. Together they built a two-story brick home with lovely gardens on Third Street, and began a family. There was no more adoring couple than Marge and John, who had seven children and were married for 62 years until Marge's passing in 2004. One of our cherished memories is that John never left the house without kissing Marge goodbye.John served honorably in World War II in Champagne, Ill., as an instructor, and in the Philippines as an aircraft electrician. While in the service, John dreamed of and began planning the start of his own business. In December 1954, his dream came true when he and his brother opened Maxbauer Hardware on West Front Street. In 1956, Maxbauer Hardware became an Ace Hardware affiliate. John started the business with one employee, working many long hours to make Ace Hardware a success. The business he started now has three locations with 63 employees and is owned by two of his children.John had a deep sense of humor and was known to go to great lengths to pull a prank. He once planed a piece of wood to the size of a stick of gum for April Fool's Day — to the great surprise of his daughter. He led an amazingly full life with his work, home, traveling the world with Marge, family trips, and taking carloads of teenagers to high school sporting events.A lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, John worked on several committees. He also put in many hours at the Father Fred Foundation, sorting and shelving food donations.His loving wife, Marge, first-born daughter, Ruth Ann (who passed shortly after birth), and daughter-in-law, Peg, preceded John in death. His brother, William, also preceded him in death.John is survived by his children, Carol (Gary) Ghastin, of Traverse City, Joan (David) Boyd, of Traverse City, Mary (Michael) Kelly, of Rockford, Don (Jari) Maxbauer, of Traverse City, Margaret (Jake Pluta) Maxbauer, of Lansing, Liz Maxbauer, of Ann Arbor. John was also blessed with eight grandchildren, all of whom survive: Sara Boyd, Anna Maxbauer, Kaye Maxbauer and Ross Maxbauer, all of Austin, Texas; Ian Kelly, of Chicago; Graham Kelly, of New York City; Michael Pilon, of Traverse City; and Adam (Sarah) Boyd, of Kalamazoo; and two great-grandchildren, Madison and Bailey Pilon.We are grateful to dad for teaching us all we were willing to learn about faith, hope, love, charity and the miracle of curiosity. Dad and mom remain our best role models, and our sorrow is lifted knowing they are together with Ruth Ann and Peg.Visitation will take place today, Sept. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a scripture being prayed at 7 p.m.The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, with visitation one hour prior at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Rev. Fr. James Hayden and Fr. Anthony Citro will serve as con-celebrants. Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.The family thanks the loving staff at Highlander Assisted Living Facility.Contributions in John's memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, the Father Fred Foundation, or Habitat for Humanity.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com