John P. Holewinski

John P. Holewinski, age 74, passed away on October 20, 2025, at his home in Fort Myers, Florida, after a long life that ended in his struggle against Parkinson's disease.
John was born on September 7, 1951, in Gaylord, Michigan, the son of the late Ralph Holewinski and the late Edith (nee: Wattson) Holewinski. As a young man growing up in northern Michigan, John enjoyed the outdoors, fast cars, strong liquor, and loud rock and roll music.
After graduating high school and while attending college at Northwood University, John met the love of his life Susan. They were blessed with three beautiful children and later six grandchildren, all of whom John adored.
John worked as a pipe fitter in the oil fields, and later as an Otsego County deputy sheriff under the tutelage of his father, the longstanding sheriff of Otsego County. John and the family moved to Ohio where he began work for PPG Industries. His employer took them back to Michigan and eventually south to Tennessee. After a long career in the automotive paint industry, John enjoyed retirement maintaining his property and relaxing, sipping a cold Bud Ice and floating in his pool on Blackberry Ridge.
John later moved to Florida continuing his retirement in Fort Myers where he tooled around the neighborhood in his golf cart and cannon-balled into his pool, while blasting Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull.
John had many interests and talents... He was a skilled craftsman from small scale projects to large endeavors, including building the Holewinski family's first home on Gunner Road. His lifelong love of cars was realized when one entered his model room (he had one in each residence). Building model cars was more than a hobby, it was a passion that fueled his museum worthy display.
John was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. He left us all with many memories. Rest in peace, John. You have given us all so much life and love. You are greatly missed.
A Mass will be held at 5:00 pm, in John's honor Saturday November 29th, 2025 at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord Michigan. Please share your stories and memories of John at the "Share a Memory" section.
Private Funeral arrangements were held in Florida. Obituary hosted by Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services, 135 N. Center Avenue, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan 49734. www.CarebyNelsons.com