John Shoemaker

On Saturday, November 14, 2020, John (Jack) Marshall Shoemaker, loving husband, and father of two children died at the age of 93. Jack was born on April 24, 1927 in Almont, MI to Pomala and Uriah Shoemaker. He developed his work ethic on the family farm during the Depression and served in the US Navy, in the Pacific theatre during WWII. He studied engineering at Michigan Technological University and in 1955, formed Midwest Gage, Inc., which he ran for 35 years. Jack was a life-long learner and his passions for history, nature, and art took him around the country and the world. He travelled throughout the United States and visited nearly every continent, touring historical sites, museums, and areas of natural beauty. Using his engineering and creative talents, he created practical items and objects of art through pottery, wood, and metalworking. However, he will be remembered most for his service to the community. Throughout the years he volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, the Kalamazoo Nature Center, The United Way, Rotary, VFW, and the Frederik Meijer Gardens. He created community cultural events and helped develop affordable housing for seniors. His initiatives culminated in the development of a Veteran's Memorial in Plainwell, MI honoring those who served in the US uniformed services. He is pre-deceased by his former wife, Mable (Anderson) Shoemaker, his parents, and siblings: Betsey Jane (Shoemaker) Murphy, Robert Morin Shoemaker, and Thomas Gordon Shoemaker. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara (Barbie Brown) Shoemaker, children: Marie Shoemaker Howard and Jay Michael Shoemaker and five stepchildren, Jo, Patti, Kathy, Jim, and Steve, nieces, nephew, and grandchildren. Jack lived a full and interesting life to the very end. In honor of Jack's commitment to service, donations may be made to the Plainwell Veteran's Memorial Endowment Fund http://www.friendsofthegreaterplainwellveteransmemorial.org/. Endowment Fund: http://nebula.wsimg.com/054034af91ae6e9aca96e5c743892521?AccessKeyId=F0AD111868A7C575BB3B&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 A celebration of life ceremony is planned for April 24, 2021 at the Plainwell Veteran's Memorial site. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Shoemaker, please visit our flower store.