Sgt. John J. Abee

Passed away Monday, September 21, 2009, in Kalamazoo. John was born February 22, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan to Jerry and Marie (Griffin) Abee. For 20 years he served as an auto mechanic in the U.S. Air Force and Army, serving in Iraq from 2003-2004. He currently was employed as an automotive technician for the Army National Guard in Wyoming, MI. In his leisure time he loved bowling, fishing and dressing up as Santa Claus. John was a wonderful husband, father, papa, son, brother, uncle and teacher, always putting others ahead of himself. On February 25, 1989 in Sheridan, WY he married Billie Weaver, who survives. Also surviving are five children, Kristen (Marvin) Kehrwald of Sheridan, WY, Miranda (Johnny) DeLeeuw of Kirksville, MO, Lance Rexroat of Ft. Collins, CO, Carman Merkey of Sheridan, WY and Jillian Abee of Washington, DC; eight grandchildren; his parents, Jerry and Marie Abee of Greenbush, MI; two brothers, Tom (Mary) Abee of Garden City and Gerald (Karen) Abee of Greenbush; his mother-in-law, Margie Weaver of Sheridan, WY; several nieces and nephews; and his godson, Matthew Abee. Preceding him in death were a daughter, Genevive Abee, his father-in-law, Alvin C. 'Jack' Weaver, and a granddaughter, Tia DeLeeuw. In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service with military honors will be held at the Army National Guard Armory, 1200 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 2 P.M. Contributions in memory of John may be made to the American Cancer Society . Winkel Funeral Home Otsego.