Jon M. Grabemeyer

January 14th, 1945 - March 14th, 2019

Jon's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Jon here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Jon was one of the, "big kids" at First Elementary School. It was the same school our fathers and grandfathers attended before us. So, our families have always been friends, neighbors and relatives. I had a bit of a crush on Jon when he was probably 12 and I was 7. He was so smart, charming and nice to me. And he was so darn cute! I didn't see him often over the years but. those same qualities stuck with him. I know my parents adored him and enjoyed those daily breakfasts groups he sometimes joined in Sister Lakes. Jon touched many and leaves a hole in so many hearts and lives. He is with the angels, Tommy and Gene.

Mary Menchinger

March 21st, 2019 at 4:25pm

Some of my earliest memories as a child running around Fairplain Plaze include seeing Jon. He had one of those faces that was always bright and open and he enjoyed talking to everyone - I understood that even as a 5 year old. He never seemed to be too busy to have a small chat with anyone. The world would certainly be a better place if more people were as kind and calm as Jon was! I send my heartfelt condolences to Mary Lou and the entire family!

Gail Gorske

March 20th, 2019 at 10:31pm

My husband and I have known Jon since his early days at Goldbaums Mens store at the Fairplain Plaza. A popular store for young men, he always took good care of us, and others, and we always shared laughs. We followed him to the store when it moved to St. Joe until it closed. Mary Lou and I worked together at Dowagiac schools, and I, along with many other teachers, had their children as our students. All of the kids were wonderful to have in class. We want to express our sympathy to the family and to let you know Jon was a very well respected person in the business world--we need more people like Jon!! We will hold our "fun" memories in our hearts for years to come and keep you all in our prayers. Joe and Diane Petlick

Diane Petlick

March 20th, 2019 at 5:47pm

Uncle Jonny, you were always my favorite! Standing outside the cottage, chatting about life. You never judged, never said a negative thing about anyone. You were one of my dad's friends who never faltered in your friendship. You didn't leave when things got crazy for our family. I wish we could bring the girls out to fish one last time. Kicking myself for not doing it last summer. But they knew you and loved you - as did all of the college buddies. People who met you once or twice are saddened by your passing. I love you and I'll always miss you. I am so lucky to have known you since I was a baby.

Jill Straub

March 20th, 2019 at 9:54am

One more cast

Fishing with Dad always ended the same… “One more cast”. I used to love fishing with Dad when I was young. He seemed to know everything there was to know about catching fish. As I grew older I lost interest in fishing, it was too slow, too quiet, too long… and I grew to almost dread the phrase “one more cast”. As a teenager I went less and less and I think he understood that it was the natural order of things. Later as an adult I rediscovered fishing. I came to appreciate the quiet peacefulness. The chance to think, reflect, just be… Dad and I began to reconnect around fishing. The challenges, and the strategy. I came to him with my triumphs and failures. He still seemed to know everything there was to know about fishing! We went fishing together when we could, even took a short trip together. I enjoyed those times fishing and always wanted to go more. In the end we were both saying “one more cast”. Oh how I would like just one more cast together!

Jon M. Grabemeyer

Jon's Memory Wall

TEST