John Stephen Grden III

John S. Grden III, of Southfield, a beloved brother, uncle, nephew, and friend who embodied a true servant's heart, passed unexpectedly into eternal life on Saturday evening, October 4, 2025, at Henry Ford Providence Hospital in Southfield-just one week after celebrating his 73rd birthday.

John was born September 28, 1952, in Detroit, the first child of the late John S. II and Virginia (Depowski) Grden. Embodied with a unique brilliance and gentle humility, his life was marked by extraordinary gifts, deep faith, and a steadfast devotion to serving others. From a young age, it was clear he had been blessed with remarkable talents. While still a teenager, John worked at Progressive TV, his Uncle Stanley's Detroit television repair shop. Even seasoned professionals marveled at his ability to troubleshoot problems others could not. This early aptitude launched him into a lifetime of accomplishments in electronics, mechanics, and engineering.

John graduated from Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights with the Class of 1970 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University. While still a student, he worked in the Lawrence Tech computer center, where his dedication and skill were so evident that, upon graduation, he was offered a full-time position. Over a career spanning 35 years, John rose to become the University's Director of Information Technology before retiring in 2007.

But retirement for John was not an ending; it was the beginning of his most important calling. A Franciscan friar invited him to volunteer with the Franciscan Outreach Program at the Church of the Transfiguration in Southfield. What began as a small act of service soon became his life's mission. For more than 18 years, John served as Director of the Outreach, overseeing volunteers and ensuring that more than 800 families each month received nutritious food with dignity and compassion. Under his leadership, the program grew in efficiency and scope-he computerized its systems, streamlined its distribution process, and worked tirelessly to secure balanced, nourishing meals for those in need. John's fairness, resourcefulness, and unshakable sense of justice ensured that every family was treated equally, with respect and kindness.

Alongside his technical gifts and charitable leadership, John was also blessed with extraordinary musical talent. A gifted accordionist, pianist, and organist, John could play by ear with effortless ease. Music was woven through every chapter of his life: he sang in the choir at St. Linus Catholic Church in Dearborn Heights, where in 1972 he recorded and produced an album titled Beyond a Dream. He later lent his voice and musicianship to the choirs of St. Michael Parish and the Church of the Transfiguration. He also frequently served as an organist and cantor at funerals, weddings, and parish celebrations, where his music comforted grieving families and lifted joyful occasions. John was immensely proud of his Polish heritage and found great joy in the rhythms of the polka-both listening and playing along. He also loved classical music, which spoke to his deep intellect and his organized, scientific mind. For his family, John's music was a thread that bound generations-he played at countless parties, weddings and anniversaries, and most recently sang at his niece's wedding this past August.

In John's rare time away from his mission, he cherished time spent in northern Michigan where he enjoyed the slower pace of life. He loved his dog, Bingo, who was his constant companion and source of joy for the past fourteen years. John was often found behind a camera, quietly capturing decades of family gatherings, milestones, and small everyday moments that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. He took great pride in supporting his many nieces and nephews-cheering from the sidelines at sports games, applauding from the audience at recitals and performances, and celebrating each graduation and accomplishment with genuine joy. Through his photographs, his presence, and his unwavering encouragement, John preserved not only memories, but a deep sense of connection and love.

John's imprint on this world was immense. He was a man of many talents-engineer, mechanic, musician, organizer-but above all, he was a servant. Whether fixing a broken appliance, leading a choir, or feeding hundreds of families, John lived with grace, generosity, and unwavering faith. He believed in fairness, in dignity for all people, and in meeting the needs of others with quiet humility.

He will be deeply missed by his loving family, many dear friends, the parish community at Transfiguration, and all those whose lives he touched with his gifts and kindness.

John is the beloved brother of Karen (Charles) Reaume, the late Thomas (Suzanne) Grden, James (Christine) Grden, and Robert (Sharon) Grden; treasured nephew of Ronald Grden; cherished uncle of Robert (Star) Reaume, Daniel Reaume, Katherine (Kyle) Malarkey, Thomas (Allie) Grden, Rebecca (Collin) Grden, Elizabeth Grden, Christopher (Katie) Grden, Robert (Kristin) Grden, John Grden, Kristi (James) Steele and Kailee Grden; great-uncle to Tommy, Lucy, and Kelly; and valued friend and colleague to countless others.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Thursday, October 9, from 2-8 pm. The rosary will be prayed at 7 pm.

John's Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday morning, October 10th at 10:00 am (in state at 9:30 am) at the Church of the Transfiguration, 25225 Code Road, Southfield.

Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will immediately follow mass, with a luncheon for family and friends to follow at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Franciscan Outreach Program at Transfiguration Parish, Southfield, so that John's legacy of service may continue to nourish the hungry in body and spirit. (https://www.transfigsfld.org/franciscan-outreach-program)