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John Stong Obituary
John Mitchell
John Mitchell Stong, passed away on March 3, 2017 at The Toledo Hospital ICU. He was born in Toledo, OH November 9, 1945.
John graduated from Burgess High School in El Paso Texas in 1963. After graduation John served in the Army in El Paso Texas at Fort Bliss.
John's passions were his family, sailing, golf and going on adventures like Para Sailing, Hiking, Zip Lining and a Nature Segway Trail.
John was an IBEW Local 8 Electrician for 41 years and participated in their golf league for over three decades.
As a member of North Cape Yacht Club since 1987, John loved sailing on Lake Erie in Wednesday night races and for pleasure with many friends and family. He participated in over 30 Mills Trophy Races from Luna Pier, MI to Put-In-Bay, OH.
John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Terrie, his mother, Ann Keholm, sons, Scott and David (Kathy) Stong, son-in-law, Martin Bourgeois, Sisters McCreey Jordan (Laura Stong) and Jan (Lenny)Gorski, grandsons, Zeke and Adrian Bourgeois, Casey (Summer) Furhr, Jesse (Autumn) and Paul (Jacqui) Skipper. Also 4 great-grandchildren, Brendan, Jaiden, Anna and Landon, Brother-in-laws Eric (Sheilah), Randy (Amy) and Russ. He was preceded in death by his daughter Anna (Stong) Bourgeois.
The family thanks Dr. Skeel for his care during John's several years of CLL treatment and the Toledo Hospital ICU staff for their care and attentiveness.
The family will be receiving friends in the Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Rd., Toledo, Ohio on Monday March 13, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. where Life Celebration services will begin at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the North Cape Sailing School which funds the North Cape Junior Sailing Program or Good Bears of the World.
As published in The Blade
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Stong
Barb Carr
February 28, 2025
Hi Terrie, remembering John and the wonderful person he was. You were blessed to have each other.
Barb Carr
Barb Hernandez.
March 15, 2017
Terrie, God just got another angel. You were one to John.
Jan Cuming
March 12, 2017
Dearest Terrie,
Im sorry that I have only just caught up with the news of your husbands passing.
I understand exactly how you must be feeling at this moment and want you to know that YES it will eventually get better with time.
Know that you are loved by all the bear community and that we will be thinking of you in the coming months.
With much love Jan New Zealand
Christopher Colthorpe
March 11, 2017
Cuzin John,
We've know each other for well over 50 years. Way before u were family. But Colthorpe's are smart, and Terrie was very smart, and the smartest thing she ever did was to love u and become Terrie Stong. So then u were not just the "Big Guy" I could talk to, u were family. So for more than 50 years we spent time together. We drank and ate and built and sailed and talked; and in all that time you faced as many trials and tribulations as any man does. Others may have experienced otherwise, because we are all human, but in all that time I never heard u utter a word that put down another person. In all that time I never heard u utter a pessimistic or negative word. U were not a glass half full, u were a glass over flowing. Pop loved u and Terrie like a son and daughter for many reasons, but I think u were his Ying to his Yang. He was the most negative, pessimistic man I ever knew (and loved) and u are the most positive and optimistic person I have known. I think perhaps the 2 of u made each other whole. I have missed the times we could not be together because of distance, and I will miss future times, but you are in my heart and will always be there so we will never really be apart. We will meet again with are loved ones and talk and drink and maybe even sail. Cuzin Chris
Pat Kapral
March 10, 2017
Terrie,
I only met John twice, both occasions associated with Teddy Bear shows. I can remember admiring his bravery and even being a bit jealous!
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to hold forever in your heart.
Love and hugs,
Pat
March 8, 2017
Dear Terrie,
We are so very, very sorry for your loss. May you be strong during these difficult days ahead and put your trust in God. Cherish the memories you and John had. May God give you strength.
Our love and blessings,
Trish and Clarence Hansford
Dave Walker
March 8, 2017
Terri
What a shook to read of John's passing. He had such a kind and happy personality. I am sure he touched many lives and your loss is great. If I can be of service please let me know. Dave Walker
Jan Gorski
March 8, 2017
To my only brother, I am missing you so much right now! You will always be the strong force in our family and always kept it together. I promise you now that I will take care of Mom and do the best I can to be strong for you. I won't let you down. I will miss our "Tiger baseball talks"!!, and of course Michigan. May God wrap his arms around you and welcome you into heaven. Annie has been waiting for you. It's time for you to be with your daughter! I love you John and I am so happy we had a nice talk on Wed.
Bev White
March 7, 2017
Dearest Terrie, There are no words...My heart goes out to you. Please be comforted and strengthened by the tender love of those around you and the grace of our loving Father, as we lift you up in prayer. Bev & Mike
March 7, 2017
Terrie, we are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May John rest in peace and know he's in a better place along with Anna. Many hugs for you. -Alex & Lina Bourgeois
Carol Miller
March 6, 2017
Terrie so sorry for your loss love and bear hugs and prayers are coming your way
March 6, 2017
Dear Uncle John, you are really cool guy unique and brave. I'm really glad I got to see you in October for your Mom's birthday. My heart goes out to everyone's lives that John touched. May you rest in peace.
Love always Shelly Mitchell
Joseph McNamee
March 6, 2017
Rip Uncle John. May you Rest In Peace. Love you.
March 6, 2017
Terry,
so very sorry for your loss. We are sending our prayers and love,
Jay and Noel, The Country Bear
Pat Fairbanks
March 6, 2017
I am soooo sorry for your loss.Sending love, hugs. and prayers that you will find strength in dealing with this sad time. Please know we care and love you. Pat Fairbanks.
Donna Nielsen
March 6, 2017
Terrie....thoughts & prayers to you & your family.
Brenda and Craig Yenke
March 6, 2017
Craig and I send our teddy bear hugs to Terrie and family at this sad time. His light will continue shinning through all of you. John was so courageous..he will be deeply missed.
Beth Savino
March 6, 2017
Hugs and love to Terrie and family. We were so blessed to be given a little time with John before he made his journey to be with God and Anna. He is now pain free God bless him. With love, Beth and Ben
Pam Holton
March 6, 2017
Terrie,
Sending thoughts your way. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Pat Snyder
March 6, 2017
Our sympathy to Terrie and the whole family. Sending you our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We hope you will find strength in God and the memories of wonderful times together, until you meet again.
Loving hugs from Bailey, pat, bob, and the fuzzy family
Judy Anderson
March 6, 2017
Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
McCreery (Laura Stong) Jordan
March 6, 2017
Goodbye to my wonderful big brother. Thank you for beating up the bad guys for me way back in the early years. And for always being there for me as grown ups. I love you always. Sis
Valerie Rogers
March 6, 2017
Wishing everyone peace along with sweet happy memories of John. He will be missed.
Love and lots of bearhugs,
Valerie
Amanda McNamee
March 5, 2017
Uncle John, I will miss you so much. You always had the best stories and the humor you added to them made them even better. I also enjoyed our joking around with Michigan and Ohio State. I love you and I'm glad you are with Annie now. Rest well ❤
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