John "Doc" Edleman

Doctor John Kallman Edleman Sr., known as “Doc” to his friends and “Papa” to his grandchildren, passed away surrounded by family and friends on August 18, 2025. His last view was of his beloved Lake Bellaire, with a Michigan flag blowing in the breeze. Born on August 21, 1935 in Davenport, Iowa, to Maury and Helen (Jacobsen) Edleman, John moved frequently and made friends everywhere he went, even until his last day.

He graduated from Duluth (MN) East High School in 1953. John attended the University of Michigan (‘57), where he was a member of the Chi Psi fraternity.

During his summers, John spent his time with the Boy Scouts in the Boundary waters of northern Minnesota. He was a proud Eagle Scout. This prepared him for his role as a leader and teacher--a role in which he would excel for the rest of his life.

After his undergraduate days in Ann Arbor, John served in the United States Army Medical Service Corp at Brooke Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. After discharge and upon returning to Michigan, he married his college sweetheart, Nancy White, in 1959. They then spent four years in Iowa while John attended the then-called College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and moved to Grand Rapids, MI, for his internship. Grand Rapids felt like home, and that is where he started his 37 years of solo family practice and sports medicine.

John loved participating in activities in which the whole family could be involved. From school activities, to skiing and tennis, to traveling near and far in their motor home, to Camp Michigania, and to spending time at the “lake”. John also had fond memories of his travels with Nancy to Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, the Boundary Waters canoeing, skiing out west and in Switzerland, and, of course, their season tickets for 57 years at the “Big House” and Michigan football.

He was a founding member of the U of M Victors Club and also proudly organized Chi Psi reunions annually during football season. In 2014, John was awarded the Chi Psi Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his efforts to keep the Chi Psi brothers connected.

“Doc” filled the role of team physician at Ottawa Hills High School for more than 40 years and was inducted into the OHHS Athletics Hall of Fame in the winter of 2025. Even after moving to northern Michigan, he treated the patients in his “office” at the cottage and was quick to lend his time, wisdom, and expertise to anyone who needed him. He continued to love everything outdoors, spending time in his barn, and being the onsite maintenance man.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tom Edleman.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy, his children Mari Persons (Vinton), Heidi Stellin (Don), and John, Jr., (Sara). He also leaves behind a gaggle of adoring grandchildren, Maggie Persons, Katie Persons, Christian Stellin, Liesl Stellin, Anna Edleman, and Aurora Edleman. Mabel was his boon companion to the last.

Per his wishes, no memorial service is planned. John hoped everyone would remember the good times spent together and avoid dwelling in sadness at his passing. As he would say, life is great, and it was a privilege to do all that he did. John truly was a man for others whose impact and legacy will be indelible.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in John’s memory, to the University of Michigan Chi Psi Alpha Epsilon Educational Endowment. https://www.alphaepsilonofchipsi.com/give/annual-fund-eee.

Arrangements are under the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com