John Stowe

John F. Stowe, 83, of Benton Harbor passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at Pine Ridge nursing home in Stevensville.

A memorial celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 66325 M-152, Sister Lakes, Mich., with Pastor Stefan Sonnenfeld officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church or Berrien County Cancer Services. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

John was born on March 13, 1942, in Lawrence, Mich. He was the son of Harry Vernon and Velma Grace (Atwood) Stowe. John grew up in Niles and Benton Harbor and graduated from Benton Harbor High School. He was then drafted into the Army where he proudly served his country in Okinawa. After the service, John started working for Whirlpool Corp. where he was employed for more than 30 years in the computer center from the era of punch cards through video conferencing. Always a diligent worker, he continued working various jobs until finally retiring last year.

It was at work where John met Opal Ashley and they were wed in 1972. They were married 42 years until she passed away in 2014. With Opal, he had two sons, Elliott and Christopher.

John was a kind and gentle person. He was thoughtful and considerate of others. For years, he read two newspapers every day and kept up on current events. He loved his family and pets, and watching sports of any kind, especially the Lions. He also enjoyed playing golf. He was also a regular attendee at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sister Lakes where he became baptized earlier this year.

He is survived by his sons, Christopher and Elliott (Melissa) Stowe; granddaughters, Maya and Hailey Stowe; brother-in-law, Frank (Donna) Ashley; and the many nieces, nephews and their kids we have so many happy memories with. John was preceded in death by his wife Opal; parents, Harry and Velma; sisters, Marcia (Ray) Pullins and Linda (Troy) Champion; and granddaughter, Abigail Stowe.