John D. Iott

John D. Iott, 76, of Fife Lake, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024. He was born to the late Elton and Clara (Roszyk) Iott in Toledo, Ohio on May 5, 1948. He grew up on the family farm in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. After graduating from Whiteford Agricultural Schools, John enrolled in the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Apprenticeship program. John spent his career working as a Master Plumber. He moved to Kalkaska in 1996 and started Kalkaska Plumbing and Heating Inc. which he ran with his son Joe. In 2014 John retired from the business, yet still was very active with the company. He enjoyed coming into the shop every morning for coffee, helping with running to pick up parts and deliver them to his guys, and even doing the occasional on-site estimate.
In John's younger years, he enjoyed pony pulling and line dancing. He also loved living in the woods in the cabin on the river that he built with the help of his sons. He absolutely loved Harley Davidson Motorcycles and Jeeps. Much of his free time was spent riding one of his Harleys or simply going for a ride in the Jeep with Sandy. Every winter John and Sandy would travel to Zephyrhills, FL, with their Harleys, trailer in tow and enjoy time with friends in Betmar Park, where he owned a home. John cherished time with his family, whether relaxing at his riverside cabin, attending his grandsons' football games, or driving through the wooded trails nearby. He was a quiet, humble man with a sharp wit when he chose to show it. With a big heart, he cared deeply for those fortunate enough to be part of his life. He was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.
John is survived by his life partner, the love of his life, Sandy Shell of Gladwin, MI, whom he spent the last 15 years with; two sons John (Patty) Iott of Ottawa Lake, MI and Joe (Lindsay) Iott of Kalkaska, MI; grandchildren Jack, Jake and Clara Iott of Ottawa Lake and Josh and Dylan Iott of Kalkaska and Hunter Suydam of Florida; siblings Joyce (Frank) VanLooke of Hodgenville, KY, James Iott of Ottawa Lake, MI and Carolyn (Jim) Strahan of Ottawa Lake, MI; many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and colleagues. John was preceded in death by his parents; brother Ralph Iott; and two sisters-in-law Bev Iott and Mary Iott.
Visitation will be held from 2-8pm on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Kalkaska Funeral Home. Burial will take place privately at Oliver Township Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.