John Oxner

John David Oxner, age 74, of Rockford, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022 at his home under the loving care of his family and Kindred Hospice. The son of Henry & Mildred (Gallert) Oxner, he was born on December 16, 1947 in Paw Paw, Michigan. John proudly served in the United States Army and was a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War, having attained the rank of sergeant and been awarded the Bronze Star Medal -- twice -- for acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy, as well the Purple Heart. In addition, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, an Army Commendation award, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Marksman badges on both the M-14 and M-16. On St. Valentine's Day. February 14, 2003, in Kentwood, he married Karen Hoffman Thome and together they enjoyed over 19 years of marriage. John retired from Steelcase, Inc. after 28 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and one brother; and his father-in-law, William F. "Bill" Hoffman, Sr. Surviving are his wife, Karen Oxner of Rockford; his children, Joshua & Tessa Oxner, Mandi Bates, Linda & Travis Heintzelman, and Brian Hock; his step-children, Kristin & Ryan SIbary, Julie Thome & Aaron Leder, and Brian & Mandi Thome; sixteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Pam & Bobby Hobkirk, and Shelly & Dennis Combs; his mother-in-law, Patricia Hoffman; two brothers-in-law, William F. "Skip" & Lanie Hoffman, and James & Sandy Hoffman; and several nieces and nephews. Committal services, with military honors, are at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Michigan. Family and friends will celebrate John's life at a future date to be announced later. Instead of flowers, John would have appreciated contributions in his memory to Kindred Hospice. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville (616-754-5638), honored providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Oxner, please visit our flower store.