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KINGSFORD -- The family of longtime community leader and dedicated healthcare executive John Joseph Schon has established a new scholarship at Kingsford High School to honor his remarkable life, steady leadership and lifelong commitment to the Upper Peninsula.
The John Schon Family Scholarship will support graduating seniors pursuing a degree in healthcare or healthcare management, carrying forward Schon's passion for serving others and expanding local medical care.
Schon, who passed away June 8 surrounded by his family, left an indelible mark on Dickinson County. After growing up in Ontonagon, John attended Northern Michigan University, where he earned a business degree and played on the NMU football team. He later earned his master's degree in public administration from the University of Michigan. Schon moved to Kingsford in 1985 with his wife, Myrna, to serve as chief financial officer at Dickinson County General Hospital. He became CEO and administrator in 1988, serving in that role for three decades.
During his 30-year tenure as CEO, Schon led the efforts to build a new, state-of-the-art hospital, recruited a medical staff of 80 physicians, and expanded the workforce to more than 700 full-time employees, tripling its size and transforming local access to healthcare.
Beyond his career, Schon was a devoted husband of nearly 46 years, a father to three and a grandfather of four. An active member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Church and former board chairman for the First National Bank of Iron Mountain, he was known as much for his warm sense of humor and love of the outdoors as he was for his leadership. Whether coaching his kids, golfing at Pine Grove Country Club or hosting family trips across the country, Schon placed family and community above all else.
Through the creation of the John Schon Family Scholarship, his family hopes to inspire and support the next generation of healthcare leaders emerging from Kingsford High School.
Individuals wishing to contribute to the fund can mail donations to Kingsford High School, Attn: Jamie Lockhart, 431 Hamilton Ave., Kingsford, MI 49802. Checks should be made payable to Kingsford High School with "John Schon Family Scholarship" noted in the memo line.