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John Dabbert Obituary
Jackson
John Henry Dabbert, age 94, passed away on January 13, 2016 in Jackson, MI. He was born on February 19, 1921 in Michigan City, Indiana. He married Evelyn Alice Rogowski in Michigan City on February 22, 1942. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 in Sault Ste. Marie, England, France and Belgium, including time with Company B, 1274th Engineer Combat Battalion, building bridges and constructing housing for Londoners made homeless by enemy bombing. He attended Princeton University and received his BS degree with highest honors in Architectural Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1952. John began his architectural career at Carl C. Kressbach, Architect, in Jackson in 1952. He retired in 1986 from Dabbert & Fleming Architects after 34 years of designing and updating homes, schools - including Jackson Community College, and businesses in the Jackson area.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Evelyn; his daughters and sons-in-law, Janalee (Gary) Veselica of Clarklake, Lucy Phillips of South Haven, Terry (Steve) Christian of Jackson and LeaAnne (Charley) Janssen of Lansing. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Donations in John's memory may be made to the Cascades Humane Society, 1515 Carmen Drive, Jackson, MI 49202 or to a charity of your choice.
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Mary Iocca-smith
January 25, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. I met John nearly three years ago when we moved our father James into Ridgecrest. He and John became immediate friends. We found out that they had both served in London during World War II at some point, and that they both attended the University of Illinois. Your father in Architecture and our father in Engineering. Your father was such a lovely soul and he always put a smile on my face. When it was cold outside, he would always ask me how cold, and when I would tell him, his response was always "at least there are no Mosquitos!" In the evening, he would always ask what was on the agenda, and when I would ask him, his response was always "dancing girls!" Your father touched me. He must have been an amazing "Dad." RIP John. You will be truly missed but always be remembered.
January 25, 2016
I met John nearly three years ago when we moved our father into Ridgecrest. John was a brilliant man and a lovely soul and we found out from him that he served in World War II in London about the same time as our father and, also, that he was a graduate of the University of Illinois, as was our father. He in Architecture and our father in Engineering. They truly enjoyed each other's company. I know my father misses John, as do I. Every evening when I was visiting, he would ask what was on the agenda for the evening, and I would always ask him to tell me. His response was always "dancing girls." I loved it. He would always ask when it was cold,and I would tell him it was freezing outside. His response was always, "at least there are no Mosquitos!" He was a lovely man and I am sure he was an awesome father. RIP John. We loved him in the short time we knew him.
January 21, 2016
Thank You for your service. We are forever in your debt. Condolences to all.
Debbie (Cross)Pearsall
January 20, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mr Dabberts passing. I spent many days at the house with LeaAnne. Both Mr & Mrs Dabbert were so kind to me. Have to admit that when they went square dancing we got into mischief at times. Have wonderful memories of such a beautiful and warm and friendly home.
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Janice Haynes
January 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Evelyn. It is always so sad to see that important chapter of our lives come to an end. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
January 19, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Mom and I will cherish our memories of John and what he meant to us and St. John's UCC.
Diana Welter
January 18, 2016
Keeping Evelyn and family in my thoughts. I have not met John, but I know Evelyn. So sorry for your loss.
Mary Miller
January 17, 2016
Terri, Caleb, and Lisa, we have fond memories of going to the farm to get our Christmas trees, Mr Dabbert was always so kind. I also remember the many stories of your trips to Cedar Point, I think he liked the rides even more than you kids,. Sincerest Sympathies from the Miller Family.
Jim Carr
January 17, 2016
Rarely in one's life does one meet someone who embodies all of the wonderful qualities that reflect a good man, husband, father, and friend. We will cherish his memory and remember his example for the rest of our days.
Kassandra Ryan
January 17, 2016
Completely blessed to have cared for such a wonderful man❤. His huge heart and kind words will be missed everyday❤.
Amy Engblom
January 16, 2016
I've Takin care of John for many years & he changed me completely.....such a kind soul & huge heart. Will never forget this man.....God bless his sweet soul❤
Christina Matson-Gilzow
January 16, 2016
What a wonderful God father I was blessed with he has left so many wonderful memories. He was also a true friend to my father for many years, I am sure they are both out there hunting with a case of beer between them and many stories to share. My love and sympathy to the entire family.
Carol Woody
January 16, 2016
A wonderful write up of John. I felt privileged to be his dental hygienist for many years and will miss him. My prayers for the family.
Anita Carr
January 16, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Dabbert family. I remember Mr Dabbert in the 80's when we went canoeing as part of Belles and Beaux. And I do believe we ran into him once at Cedar Point as we shared the love of roller coaster rides. I attended high school with 2 of your daughters. My father and stepmom held John and Evelyn in high regard as part of the Belles and Beaux family of dancers. My condolences to the family and RIP John Dabbert - you will be thought of fondly!
Shirley Farmer
January 16, 2016
Dear Evelyn & family
So sorry to hear about your husband.
He must have been a wonderful man. What a wonderful life you had together of 73 years.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Carolyne (Thoman) Payne
January 16, 2016
Dear Dabbert Family,
Warm thoughts...Good memories...
Glenn Atkin
January 16, 2016
I remember John for his noble fight against an Army Corps of Engineers fight to clean up the Grand River by, if I remember correctly, building a dam to slow the water flow. His was the memorable phrase: "Dilution is not the solution to pollution." A newspaperman's dream quote.
Linda (Farmer) Ruppert
January 16, 2016
I was so sad to see this...The Dabbert family was like my second family...I have such fond memories staying all night with Terry...Her parents were so nice to me...I never felt uncomfortable. We moved away in 1967, but I have never forgotten any of them...I am so sorry for this families loss...John Dabbert was a wonderful father and family man. May he rest in peace...he lived a long and wonderful life. I know you have lots of wonderful memories!
Sandy Wolfinger Bromley
January 15, 2016
My condolences to the family. I've only known John since last March as my dad is also in Ridge Crest. John was the only person dad knew by name and talked about. I was so thankful that another service man was there to share stories. Since his passing, I have checked every day to find his obituary. He was a very accomplished man, and from what I observed, he had a good sense of humor and a gentle spirit. I know that our family will miss seeing him every day when we visited.
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