John Naessens

John Henry Naessens age 78, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Monday, July 16, 2018, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center - Gratiot after a 19 year and 8 month battle with cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Nativity of the Lord Parish, Mt. St. Joseph Site in St. Louis, MI on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 12:00 P.M., with Fr. Nate Harburg officiating.  Interment will follow in Chapel Garden Cemetery, Elwell, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. and a Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.

John was born in Saginaw, MI on December 13, 1939, the son of Henry Joseph and Josephine (Gredys) Naessens.  He graduated from St. Louis High School with the class of 1957.  John served his country in the United States Army Reserve.

On October 7, 1961, John married Nancy Elaine Terrell at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alma.  Their 56 years of marriage was blessed with 3 sons and 2 grandchildren.  Together they were members of Nativity of the Lord Parish and held many different positions in the church along with his family.

John worked at Lobdell-Emery for 39 years, retiring in 1999.  He served as president of local #67 for 25 years and 13 years as the labor representative for Gratiot Greater Development.  He was privileged to attend the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.  John received the Walter R. Reuther Award for Distinguished Service to the Union and Community in 1999 and spoke at the UAW Convention.  He was a Gratiot County Commissioner and co-chair of the Gratiot County United Way.

John is survived by his wife Nancy of St. Louis, three sons: Thomas (Bonnie) Naessens of St. Louis, Kevin Naessens of Holland, and Jeffrey Naessens of St. Louis; granddaughter Desirae Naessens and grandson Blaine Naessens.  He is also survived by 3 brothers: Paul Naessens of Gila Bend, AZ, David (Patricia) Naessens of Midland, and Dr. James (Susan) Naessens of Rochester, MN; and many nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Nativity of the Lord Parish.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.