John Joseph Libs

John Joseph Libs, 68, of St. Joseph passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 10 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor, with Father German Perez-Diaz officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alex Mandarino Foundation. Alex was a great nephew to John and this foundation will help fund research for pediatric cancer. Those wishing to leave an online condolence can do so at www.stark-menchinger.com John was born on January 15, 1947 in Beckley, West Virginia to Kenneth and Lura (Fish) Libs. John graduated from St. John’s High School in 1964 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from the University of Norte Dame in 1968. On June 22, 1968 John married the love of his life, Shirley Mandarino, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. Shortly after their wedding John enlisted in the Michigan National Guard from 1968-1969 and then served in the Ohio National Guard from 1969-1973 and was called to active duty on numerous occasions. For over 40 years, John worked at General Motors Delphi as a manufacturing supervisor. After retiring from G.M. he worked for J.I.T. Services, a trucking logistics company.  Upon returning home, John worked part-time at Passaro, Kahne & Taylor Law Firm helping with accounting and book keeping. While living in Warren, Ohio John was the President of the Catholic School Systems. He also served previously as a chairman for United Way and The Knights of Columbus. John was a very athletic man and an avid runner, he had completed 12 marathons and triathlons in his life. He loved golfing and walking the beach searching for beach glass. John was a very proud and faithful Notre Dame Alumni and fan, he volunteered his time and helped work home games by taking tickets and ushering. Recently John and Shirley moved back home to St. Joseph and they couldn’t have been happier. John was a man who loved God, his family and his friends. He will deeply be missed by all. John is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Robert (Mary “Molly” Fitzgerald) Libs of Noblesville, IN, and Mark Libs of Kent, Ohio; grandchildren, Annie, Lura, and John Libs; siblings, David Libs of Benton Harbor, and Joan (Stanley) Libs-Kaczocha of Anthem, AZ; brother-in-laws, Terry (Sue) Mandarino, Jim (Beth) Mandarino, and Ron Mandarino; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lura; sister, Mary Carol Libs-Farabaugh; and sister-in-law, Connie Libs.