John William Vasey

John William Vasey of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, March 30, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center – Midland. John William Vasey was born on May 6, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Ronald C. and Irene E. (Wasser) Vasey. He was a 1967 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Following graduation, John attended Delta College where he pursued one of many Degree’s he completed throughout his lifetime. On September 7, 1971, he proudly enlisted and served in the United States Air Force, until his honorable discharge. While working at Bill Knapps restaurant, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Barbara Bailey. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on September 28, 1968; she preceded him in death on October 20, 2015. John was employed with General Motors as a millwright and later a heavy equipment operator for 55 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Becoming a grandfather made his heart feel happy and full. As a young man he played the trumpet in his high school band. Intelligent and the jack of all trades, John knew how to do everything, including building his own television of scratch. He enjoyed playing card and board games, as well as shooting his guns. John was an avid sports fan often cheering for all the Detroit Teams, University of Michigan, and all of his grandchildren’s sports team, especially Swan Valley and MidMichigan Outkast Baseball, where he was fondly known as “Papa John.” Early on, John also enjoyed duck and deer hunting, flying his remote helicopters, but his little piece of heaven was spending time with his family. He will forever be remembered as a priceless, profound, and selfless man who put others needs ahead of his own. Simply put, he was an amazing, hardworking, honest, and loyal man who lived a wonderful life filled with many beautiful stories and memories.

Surviving are two daughters and one son: Jenny Vasey-Rankin of Thomas Township; Barbie Vasey of Saginaw; and Jeremy (Sarah) Vasey of Freeland; beloved dog, Bailey; nine grandchildren: Samantha (Michael) McFarland; Ali Vasey, Austin (Heather) Vasey, Ashlee Bleke, Cameron Rankin, Cianna Vasey, Connor Rankin, Jacob Rankin, and Easton Vasey; three great-grandchildren: Carson Dietrich, Presley Dietrich, and Lyanna McFarland; a sister-in-law, Roxann Vasey of Saginaw; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Gary (Sharon) Bailey of National City; Cheryl Bailey of Saginaw; Mark Bailey of Okemos; and Amy Bailey of Okemos. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Irene Vasey; and a brother, Ronald D. Vasey.

A funeral service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Rd., Saginaw, MI 48609. Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate. Military Honors and entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum under the auspices of the United States Air Force and American Legion Post #22. Friends are welcome to visit at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 1:30 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Lucky Fin Project or the Piotr Witkowski Research Fund at the University of Chicago. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.