John Nequist

John Leonard Nequist, 81, of South Haven passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 6, 2011.

He was born to John Ormond and Leola Irene (Fessenden) Nequist on July 31, 1929 in Sparta, Michigan. John served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1952. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors Degree in 1956 and joined Caltex Oil Company in Sumatra. He joined Kellogg’s in 1957 as their purchase auditor and was made VP Controller of the US Food Products in 1975. John was Director of Special Projects for the Chairman’s office in 1983, serving Governor James Blanchard in the Michigan executive Corp. John retired from Kellogg Company in 1988 after 30+ years of service. While in Battle Creek, he was involved with the Red Cross, United Fund Arts Council, and Downtown Business Development. John moved permantly to South Haven upon retirement. He was on the board of South Haven Memorial Library and the Peace Lutheran Church. He also served as a Councilman in 1989. John was a simple man who loved his family, his country, his church and working at Kellogg Company. He liked to take a ride through the country on a sunny day, and loved watching his grandkids play at the house. He never missed a morning coffee at the bakery with all his friends, or his martini at 5:00 P.M.. He will be greatly missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother – in-law – Charles Saur.

He is survived by his wife – Donna Willams Nequist of South Haven, Michigan and former wife – Patricia Kelley Nequist of Holland, Michigan. Son – Eric (Alicia) Nequist of Monte Serrno, California and daughter – Kelley (Jeff) Berg of West Olive, Michigan. Also surviving are step-son – Thomas (KC) Williams of South Haven, Michigan and step-daughter – Lisa Williams Smith of Wyoming, Michigan. 7 grandchildren – Sela, & Tessa Nequist, Jordan Berg, Kyle & Morgan Smith, and Jackson & Griffin Williams. Sisters – Joan Saur of Casnovia and Frieda (Ralph) Shaw of Comstock Park, Michigan. Brothers – Kenneth Nequist of Sparta, Michigan and Gary (Mary) Nequist of Cedar Springs, Michigan. Many wonderful and special nieces and nephews are left to remember their Uncle John.

Visitation will be from 1-2 on Saturday, April 9 at the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2:00 P.M. at the church with Rev. Robert Linstrom officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church or South Haven Memorial Library. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.