Obituary
John MacDougall, beloved father, husband, brother, and grandfather passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 78, in Mesa, Arizona. Born on July 30, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan to his loving late parents, Daniel and Loretta MacDougall, John led a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family and community.
John graduated from St. Catherine High School in Detroit, MI in 1966. After graduating, he worked as an orderly at St. Joseph Hospital in Detroit. He then attended nursing school at Port Huron Junior College where he received an associate's degree in nursing.
A patriot, John volunteered for service in Vietnam in 1969 and served as a combat medic with the U.S. Army's 5th Infantry Division in South Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. For his service and bravery, John received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Army Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart.
After returning from Vietnam, John pursued higher education at Western Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in health science and master's degree in public administration. He channeled his leadership skills and compassion into a fulfilling career, initially in nurse management across Michigan and Arizona, and later as a sterile processing consultant. His professional life was characterized by a commitment to improving healthcare systems and supporting his colleagues.
Beyond his professional and military achievements, John was a man of vibrant personality. Known for his jovial and engaging nature, he had a passion for music, art, fishing and was an avid supporter of the Detroit Lions. His warmth and charisma enriched the lives of all who knew him.
John's legacy is cherished by his surviving family, including his children Beth and Brian, his wife Anne Marie (Heffernan), his step children John (Sarah) Cylkowski, Kathleen (Joshua) Whitton, and Susan (David) Lowmiller. He was an adored uncle, brother-in-law, and grandfather to Lauryn, Chase, Declan, Alexandra, Amelia, Ben, Jack, Joe, Kevin, Max, Ignatius, and Ambrose. He was a beloved brother to Thomas (Brenda) and James (Margaret). He was preceded in death by his brothers Daniel (Audrene), Robert (Judy surviving), and Ronald MacDougall. John was also preceded in death by his beloved first wife Janice (Baron) with whom he raised a family and shared life until her passing in 2005.
A funeral mass to celebrate John's life will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W Centre Ave, Portage, Michigan, 49024 on October 4th at 1100. Following the mass, he will be buried with military honors next to Janice at Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park South, 3941 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008. A lunch will follow at St. Catherine of Siena. John's life was a testament to his strong spirit and loving heart, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.