John Michael Machtolff

Beloved and admired father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend John Michael Machtolff passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 73. He was known to his family as Mike, to most of those outside his family as John or Mad Dog, and to his grandchildren as Big Dog.
Mike lived a life marked by kindness, compassion, faith, service, humor, and an unwavering commitment to his family, his many relatives, friends, community and all of those he loved. He always stood up for the underdog. Most remarkable were his generosity, his years of commitment as a counselor and sponsor of many in the 12 Step Recovery, his playful sense of humor, his steadfast loyalty to his family and friends, his love of God and his deep faith. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who had the honor of knowing and loving him.
Mike was born in Sheffield, Alabama on June 2, 1952, to Elizabeth Janet (Joiner) and Francis Nieman ("Mac") Machtolff. He was a lifelong Catholic and received his early education from the Benedictine nuns at St. Joseph and Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic schools, and graduated from Sheffield High School in 1970, where he played football, basketball and track. Upon graduation from Sheffield HS, Mike joined the Marine Corps.
Mike was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Viet Nam War years. He was one of the first members of the Corporal Matthew D. Conley detachment 1477 Marine Corps League and a charter member of The Shoals Salty Dogs 410 of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs where he held the title of Mad Dog. It was very fitting that he was the first mad dog for their pound.
He retired from TVA after a long career as a pipefitter and respected foreman, a vocation that took him all over the US and the world, most memorably in Tashkent and Nukus, Republic of Uzbekistan, where he delighted in teaching the little children to say "Howdy, partner." Mike was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, St. Joseph, TN.
Mike served as an example to all by his heart and unwavering faith. Throughout his life he remained deeply committed to helping others. He was active in 12 Step Recovery, having recently celebrated his 48th birthday, where he counseled and encouraged countless others to a better life. He was the last remaining founder of the Survival Group. He also had a passion for antiques, thrifting, and all things unique or unusual. Above all, he was a spiritual, kind and generous man who was deeply loved by many. He reached out to help anyone in need. He also loved a good prank, and was apt to pull one on those around him.
Mike is predeceased by his parents, siblings Elizabeth (Beth) Machtolff Wise and Frank Alan Machtolff, and two nephews, Marshall Nieman "Mo" Shaver, and Claude Alan "Mac" Machtolff. Survivors include his children, Rachel (Codey) Rose and Ben Machtolff; grandchildren, Graham Mitchell, Frances Mae "Frankie", and Harrison Michael Rose, sisters Ann (Ernie) Rivard and Pam (Brent) Shaver, brother Paul (Teresa) Machtolff, and sister-in-law Claudia Anne Machtolff, and his nephews and nieces Josh Wise (Alexis Brown) and son William; Kate Wise (John Knecht) and sons Rollie and Leo; Tucker Shaver (Katherine) and children Jenna and Tuck; Mo's children Stone and Michlynne Shaver; Andrew Machtolff and children, Courtney, Elise and August; Will Rivard (Brittany); Molly McGregory and children Sam, Jack and Reagan Wright; Rob Rivard; Maggie Crisler (Daniel); AnneCatherine Beasley (Josh) and sons Walker and Beau. He is also survived by a huge contingent of beloved relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, December 12th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 304 American Boulevard, St. Joseph, TN. A funeral mass will follow at 1 p.m. there, officiated by Reverend Steiner. Interment with military honors will follow in Pettus Cemetery, Highway 64, Lexington, AL.
The family wishes to thank Mike's health care team including those at Helen Keller Hospital and Clearview Cancer Center for their kind, compassionate and loving care of Mike. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marine Corps League Corporal Matthew D. Conley Detachment 1477, 215 S. Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, AL 35660.
Pallbearers are Ben Machtolff, Codey Rose, Andrew Machtolff, Michael Noe, Rob Rivard, Sam Wright, and Jack Wright.