Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSD ECITY — John A. Maxbauer Jr., 80, passed away unexpectedly Feb. 2, 2008, at his home.
Born July 25, 1927, in Traverse City, he was the son of John and Emma (Stites) Maxbauer. On June 24, 1950, he married Lillian I. Crossell at St. Andrews Cathedral in Grand Rapids. They celebrated 52 years of marriage until her death in 2002.
He is survived by his children, Charles (Susan), Russell, John (Patty) Maxbauer III, all of Traverse City, Gail (Tony) Miller of Columbia City, Ind.; and a sister, Marie Coursault, of Traverse City. His grandchildren include Scott Bullard, Kelley (Rob) Anders, Jacob and Joelle Zbacnik, Jennifer (Tom) Jolmson, Nikki (Mason) Mikowski, Samuel, Andrew, RJ., Brandon, Jessica Maxbauer; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; sister, Audrey Gilbert Dewar; and his parents.
A graduate of Traverse City Central High School, John proudly enlisted in the U. S. Merchant Marine and later the Army Air Force, serving in the Philippines during World War II. He was a past member of the AmVets Post 120 and the American Legion Post 35.
He was a model railroader for 30 years and during his life he also loved canoeing, sailing, boating and landscaping. John dedicated his life to his family and the Boy Scouting program. When not Scouting, "Junior," as he was known at Ace Hardware, could be found dispensing his vast knowledge of home repair and helping customers with their do-it-yourself projects. Until most recently, working 40 hour weeks, his "second retirement" from Ace Hardware was planned for April.
In his almost 70 years in the scouting movement, John was a Boy Scout, Senior Scout, Sea Scout, Air Scout and held the Eagle rank. He was a member of the National Eagle Scout Association. He earned many additional Scouting awards, such as the Arrowhead Honor, Scouters Key, Scoutmasters Key, Commissioners Key, "McCuen Award," District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, Whitney M. Young Service Award, James E. West Fellow, Philmont Staff Association Fellow and Paul Harris Fellow. John served as scoutmaster of Troop 35, Willow Hill for 33 years, and as a Neighborhood Commissioner, Round Table Commissioner and District Commissioner. While a past member of the Scenic Trails Executive Board, he served as a Commissioner for Adult Training and High Adventure for Philmont Scout Ranch. John was a Virgil Honor member of Indian Drum Lodge 152 and served twice as Lodge Lay Advisor. In 1993, a "scout lodge" in Provo, Utah, was named in his honor by one of his former scouts. In 1997, former scout Dennis Chapman published a book about John, called "A Scout's Salute." Recently, he was a committee member of Troops 35, 105 and Venture Crew 102.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
Funeral services to be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Immaculate Conception Church, with Rev. James Hayden presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made to the Scenic Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America. Traverse City, MI.
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
John was my scoutmaster for eight years. He was the keeper of the lore of the scouts. He lived and breathed it for many years and passed it on to others that it might become a part of their lives and that they too could pass it on. Scouting became a basis for much of who I am today. I would like to thank Johns family for sharing him with me. I grieve with you and will miss him. Jack Keyes
Jack Keyes
February 10, 2008 | Traverse City, MI
I became acquainted with John as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Throop 35.
John Maxbauer Jr. Was a man of integrity, caring and helpful, during my association with him, especially in Boy Scouts with my years as Scoutmaster of Throop 35, in 1972-73. My wife, Roberta, and I appreciated his help he gave us during the purchase of our home in Leelanau County. It has been many years since we’ve seen him, but will always remember his kindness and guidance during those times, so our sympathy and...
Robert N Andersen
February 09, 2008 | Tucson, AZ
It was always a pleasure to talk with John at Scout ceremonies and at Ace Hardware. He was a good man and I enjoyed listening to his stories. At my Eagle Scout ceremony, he gave me an autographed copy of "A Scout's Salute." Rest in peace my friend.
Jeff Frost
February 09, 2008 | Traverse City/ Lancaster, PA
Marie and family, we remember John and Lil when they lived on Randolph St next to our home and then of course at Ace Hardware, Bob said he was one great man and much help when needed no matter how small the problem.Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Robert & Virginia Roman
February 09, 2008 | Traverse City, MI
My deepest condolences to all of you. To know Jr was to be his friend. When he asked about you he trully cared and wanted to know. If you were having a tough day he had a way of trying to bring it around for you. He was a hard worker and dedicated to his co-worker family. Anytime you needed anything you could always count on the "Jr.-Pedro" team to help you out at the plumbing/electrical counter. Jr. you will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Ann Prause
February 08, 2008 | Traverse City, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Pete & Kathy Mikowski
February 07, 2008 | Suttons Bay, MI
Our entire family wishes to express our sympathy for John's family and great appreciation for knowing and having John as a friend, scout leader {for me}, a fellow scout leader for our father and great ambassador for the community and scouting. I hope scouting can replace John, John Youker and our father Tony Pink with men of the same knowledge, drive,concern and caring. The stories about these three will live for a long time as a tribute to their devotion to Scouting.
David Pink
February 07, 2008 | South Bend, IN
Dear Maxbauer Family,
It was an honor to know John Jr. He and Lil were our next door neighbors for several years before we moved away from the "Amidon Neighborhood." They were like another set of Grandparents to our kids. I will always remember his quick smile and endless knowledge on so many different topics. I would cringe seeing him working in his yard knowing that his would put mine to shame for another year! I didn't thank him enough for his support, guidance and persistance in...
Kip Lucas & Family
February 07, 2008 | Traverse City, MI
I consider it a priveledge and honor to have worked with Junior at Ace Hardware (1976-79) and have him as my mentor/advisor when I was Scoutmaster at Troop 35 from 1993-2000.
I will miss the conversations we had and the scouting knowledge that he left with me each time we talked. Junior was Scoutmaster for my brother-in-law, Mike Lemcool. And Mike like many other Eagle Scouts from Troop 35 were guided and inspired by Junior.
I will greatly miss him. Our prayers are with the...
Brian Bush
February 06, 2008 | Suttons Bay, MI
