John Aylsworth

John Robert Aylsworth, 92, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at Hazel Findlay Country Manor.
Born October 11, 1933, in Shreve, Ohio, to Ernest and Mabel (Young) Aylsworth. John grew up on a dairy farm and was one of seven children. He graduated from Shreve High School. With the encouragement of his HS agricultural teacher, John accepted a scholarship to attend The Ohio State University. He earned a bachelor's and master's degree in agricultural education at OSU and had a lifelong career with 4-H. He served as a 4-H agent in Erie County, Ohio for 11 years before moving to Clinton County, Michigan where he served another 11 years. He then worked in 4-H programming at Michigan State University until his retirement. Even then, his dedication continued as he worked at MSU coordinating Michigan international 4-H exchange programs.
On June 22, 1958, John married Katherine "Kate" Kaiser, and together they shared 67 years of marriage. He was active in his community through First United Methodist Church in St. Johns, the Jaycees, and the Lions Club.
John will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to youth development, education and cultural exchange. He believed deeply in creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and connect across cultures. His work with 4-H reflected his values of service, leadership, and community, and his influence touched countless lives through programs that fostered responsibility, environmental awareness, and global understanding.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine; daughters, Susan (Perry) Henning and Kristine (David "Moe") Timmerman; sons, Kevin (Donna) Aylsworth and Scott (Melanie) Aylsworth; grandchildren, Jessica (Okwara) Uzoh, Jillian (Ben) Powell, Gregory (Amy) Kowalczyk, Jeffrey Kowalczyk, Zoe Aylsworth, Hannah Aylsworth, Nicholas Aylsworth, and Emily Aylsworth; his great-grandchildren, Leo, Jane, Penelope, Noah, Eloise and William.
Also surviving are John's siblings, James (Pru) Aylsworth, Sharon (David) Elmer; sisters-in-law, JoAnn (the late Earl) Aylsworth, Lil (the late William) Aylsworth and Joyce (the late Marvin Aylsworth); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mabel Ayslworth; his siblings, Sara (and her husband Tom) Durbin, Earl (and his first wife, Janice) Aylsworth, William Aylsworth, Marvin Aylsworth; and his sister-in-law, Jeanne Aylsworth (James).
A Memorial Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Friends and family may visit from 10 AM to share memories until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow.
Another service will be held in Shreve, Ohio in July 2026. This will be a celebration of the lives of John and his brother, Marvin, who died January 2, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's name to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, 446 West Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824 or to the First United Methodist Church of St. Johns, 200 East State Street, St. Johns, MI 48879.
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.