John J. Florian, Jr. Obituary
John J. Florian, Jr., 90, of Stevensville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services and a celebration of life memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.
John was born on July 10, 1936, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to John and Josephine (Krivak) Florian. He graduated from Stevensville High School in 1954, where his athletic achievements included being named to the All-State Basketball Team during his senior year. After attending Benton Harbor Community College John married the love of his life, Doris Kerr of Coloma, and began his working career as a warehouse laborer at Whirlpool Corporation. There, he quickly advanced into the company’s sales and merchandising group where he travelled extensively and was ultimately involved in the sales efforts of nearly every appliance the company manufactured. His knowledge of commercial laundry products in particular had the company retaining his services even after retirement in their quest to expand globally in countries such as China and Australia.
An avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman, John appreciated the importance of securing open spaces for public use. Serving as a trustee in Lincoln Charter Township for nearly three decades, he and Doris collaborated in efforts that resulted in what became the Lincoln Township Beach Park, the Township’s Sports Complex along Cleveland Avenue, and early improvements to the Glenlord Beach Overlook Park, to name a few. While on the board of the Grand Mere Association, he also helped lead efforts that ultimately culminated in the discontinuance of sand mining operations and the conveyance of more than 985 acres of land that now form the Grand Mere State Park.
What gave John the greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cookouts on his deck, hot dogs and holiday turkeys, hams and prime rib roasts were always his favorite family times. Spiritually, John was a private man. He gave thanks before every meal, instilled in his family the difference between right and wrong, the value of hard work, faith in knowing that God has a plan for each of us, and that we will all be together again. He was a blessing to all who knew him and he left this world in peace.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years and is survived by his children, Marc (Shelly) Florian, and Cheri (Scott) DeFries of Stevensville, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
