John C. Krass III's Obituary
John Cletus Krass III left a legacy as he entered the kingdom of heaven on August 20, 2022 after suffering from a ruptured aneurysm which prematurely ended his life at the age of 47, just days shy of what would have been his 48th birthday.
John was born on August 24, 1974 in Grand Haven, Michigan to Charlene Renee’ Krass and John “Jack” Cletus Krass Jr. He grew up loving Jesus and attending Christ Community Church. Those who knew John intimately, were privy to the fact that he had an unfailing faith in God. All who loved John can have peace knowing that he is now home in heaven with our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
As a boy, he enjoyed football and loved to play Tri Cities Little League Baseball for which he always knew that he was “the best.” During the summer months, he loved going to the beach, and he spent a lot of time traveling in the motorhome with his immediate and extended family. In the winter, he could regularly be found skiing at Mulligan’s Hollow. He went on to play golf in high school which would later become one of his favorite pastimes.
After graduating from Grand Haven High School in 1992, John went on to study at Michigan State University for two years and transferred to Grand Valley State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1996. His newly acquired degree and his larger than life personality caught the attention of Kevin Kihnke, owner of Magnum Coffee Roastery. During the next quarter of a century, John helped create and lead the Gourmet and Cafe division of the company. The gift of making friends came naturally to John making the owner and many of his co-workers consider him part of their families.
John loved spending time with his two boys, Liam and Crosby, whom he adored. Together, they enjoyed sailing, golfing, playing basketball in the driveway, boating and watersports, snow skiing, and snuggling on the couch watching movies. On Saturday mornings, John could be spotted on the soccer field coaching Crosby’s team. John loved having the boys’ friends over to hang out or have sleepovers at the house, leading to him being affectionately dubbed “Papa Krass.”
To say that John loved and lived life to the fullest is an understatement. John was a long time member of the Spring Lake Country Club where he loved being with his friends sharing camaraderie and friendly competition. He also loved sailing and participated in several races including The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. During the winter months, he enjoyed snow skiing at Crystal Mountain and Caberfae Peaks.
His passion for music brought him much joy. You could frequently catch him sitting at the kitchen table or in his music room strumming the guitar and singing some tunes. He loved a variety of artists and enjoyed seeing live music; some of his favorites include The Grateful Dead, Phish, Bob Marley, and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
John's charismatic personality and ready smile were recognized wherever he went. He was the kind of guy who never met a stranger. He was often the life of any gathering with his quick- witted charm and sense of humor. Anyone who knows him, knows that people were just drawn to John. He knew more than just the names of customers and people to whom he was introduced. People felt they could talk to John, and he remembered those stories and details. With John, you felt like you were with a lifelong friend whether you met him ten minutes ago or ten years ago. John will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by his two sons, Liam Krass and Crosby Krass; loving mother, Charlene Krass; father, John “Jack” (Deb) Krass; brother, Joshua (Minglu) Krass; niece, Aubrey Krass; nephew, Ace Krass; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; mother of his children and friend, Julie Baker; and many “brothers from another mother.” (You know who you are!) John was preceded in death by grandparents, Jay and Millie Wickstra; and John and Mary Krass.
John will be remembered and celebrated on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at the Spring Lake Country Club located at 17496 N. Fruitport Road. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will take place before the service from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Spring Lake Cemetery for those wishing to attend.
All are also invited to the Spring Lake Country Club for a Celebration of Life from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. As a tribute to John, flip flops are encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that donations are made to the Krass Boys Education Fund, Magnum Coffee Roastery, 1Java Blvd., Nunica, MI 49448. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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