John Thomas Vrab Sr.

John Thomas Vrab, 92, of Traverse City, Michigan, formerly of St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2019 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. John was born January 18, 1927 to parents John Thomas and Christina (Sitarik-Ratchek) Vrab in Mount Carmel, PA. He was raised in New York City.

John was a WW II veteran, serving in the U. S. Navy from 1945 until 1946. He was employed for 39 years with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) in St. Louis, MO, as a design engineer, retiring in 1996.

On November 3, 1962, he married the former Annette Diel and enjoyed 56 years together. He was a devoted father to their two children John Vrab and Laura (Vrab) Zettler. They share fond memories of many yearly summer vacations.

He was a devout Catholic; a fourth degree Knight with the Traverse City Knights of Columbus Assembly 499 and a member of the American Legion Post 35 of Traverse City.

John is survived by his wife Annette; son John (Kris); daughter, Laura (Patrick); sisters Katherine, Pauline, Agnes, and Virginia; grandchildren Andrea, Thomas, Stella and Liam and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Psalm 23: 1-3A The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; Beside restful waters He leads me; He refreshes my soul.

Visitation for John will take place from 2-3:30pm and 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28, 2019 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. The rosary will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. , Monday July 29, 2019 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union, Traverse City. Burial will be in Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery, Traverse City.

Memorial contributions in John's name may be directed to The Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W. North St.. Gaylord, MI 49735 or online at www.dioceseofgaylord.org . and click on the make a gift link.