John Wayne Tedder

John Wayne Tedder, a man defined by his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and deep devotion to his family, passed away November 24, 2025 at 79 years of age after a long battle with vascular dementia. John was born on January 7, 1946, in Royal Oak, Michigan, the son of the late George and Joan Tedder. John often reminisced that he had "the greatest childhood a kid could ask for," rooted in Royal Oak. His early life was filled with football, water skiing, and the camaraderie of neighborhood friends, including his lifelong companions, Tom Scott and Rick Seymour. He graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High School. A dedicated and skilled machinist by trade, John proudly spent more than twenty years working at Tucker Induction in Shelby Township, always recognizable by his signature cowboy boots and his great head of hair. In 1972, John met Janice Stone, the love of his life. They were married in May 1975 in a small, heartfelt ceremony at Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak. Their shared life led them to the water, where they enjoyed the rhythms of lake life on Lake Oakland in Waterford from 1981 to 2015. They carried this passion into retirement on Wixom Lake in Beaverton, Michigan, where they were fortunate to meet wonderful neighbors, Mel and Char Fosgard. A man of few words, John's greatest lessons were taught through his consistent actions. He showed his children and family how to love, maintain focus, and, famously, how to keep a nice looking yard. When he wasn't working or tending his home, John could often be found busy with snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, and fast cars, ensuring his weekends and vacations were always filled with speed and adventure. He cherished the bonds with his close friends, Denzel Martin of Sterling Heights and the late Walt Forbes of Rose Township. His deep devotion extended to his brother and sister-in-laws, Robert and Monica Zielinski, Richard and Antoniette Brady, Joseph Stone, Shawn O'Hara, and John Renaud. John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Joan (née Haglund) Tedder, his sister Charlotte Renaud, and his brother and sisters-in-law Edward Stone, Patricia O'Hara, Jean, and Jane Latour. John is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Janice (née Stone) Tedder, and their four children: William (Elena) Clouston, Scott (LouAnn Perugini) Tedder, Matthew (Sara) Tedder, and Leigh (Ken) Vogt. He was a proud grandfather to Auburn, Madison, Cameron, Kevin, Kailey, and Lukas, and a great grandfather of five, uncle, and friend to many more. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. We take comfort knowing that John is now enjoying well-deserved Donzi boat rides, Harley Davidson cruises, and a happy reunion with his father, George, in heaven. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Daniel Catholic Church, 7010 Valley Park Dr., Clarkston. Family will receive friends Friday 4-8 PM at COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD and in state Saturday 10:30 AM at church. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.