John Robert Sanchez, 79, of Traverse City passed away Saturday, October 7, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on Sunday, March 6, 1938 to John and Helen (McShosh) Sanchez in Detroit, MI. He attended Western High School and was a State Champion diver. It was a chance meeting after high school while swimming where he met the love of his life, Nancy Luttrell. He married Nancy in Winchester, VA on October 26, 1958 and they shared 58 years of marriage. John served his country in the United States Coast Guard for 4 years and went on to a 30 year career with Ford Motor Company as a plumber/pipe fitter.

John loved life, in all aspects, and he loved giving. He spent time volunteering at Munson Medical Center, Meals on Wheels, was a member of the Cedar Creek Commons Association, was the Chairmen of the Leelanau County UAW retiree's council, the Leelanau County Democratic Party and past-President of the Cross Junction, VA Ruritan clubs. He enjoyed the outdoors and was physically fit, enjoying bike riding, working out and dancing to 50s music with his wife Nancy. He built his own log home and was a handyman, often times offering to help his friends around the neighborhood with projects. He loved to make new friends. He may meet a stranger, but they left as friends.

John is survived by his wife Nancy (Luttrell) Sanchez of Traverse City; children Susan Wilson of Traverse City, Jeffrey and Diana Sanchez of Westland, MI, Gregory and Jessica Sanchez of Inwood, WV; grandchildren Jeffrey Sanchez, John Sanchez, Noah Wilson; sister Patricia Feldman; sisters-in-law Ann DeLorme and Kathy Luttrell; brother-in-law Joe Luttrell; many nieces and nephews, family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Helen (McShosh) Sanchez and sister Beverly Montemayor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Reverend Father Ken Stachnik will officiate, with music provided by Mr. Fred Szczepanski.

Those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged direct contributions to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Building Fund, 1025 S. Union Street, Traverse City, MI, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Food Pantry, 1025 S. Union Street, Traverse City, MI, or the Leelanau County Democratic Party, P.O. Box 215, Empire, MI 49630.