John ‘Jack’ W. Oberlin

John was born on Aug. 7, 1935, in McMillan, the son of the late John E. and Cleo (Kalnbach) Oberlin. He graduated from Sylvania High School in 1953 and attended Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College. While there, he met the love of his life, Helen Stover, and they were married on Aug. 7, 1954, in Imlay City, Mich.

They moved from the Toledo, Ohio area to Crystal Falls in the spring of 1968. They built a new home in Bates Township in 1980 and have lived there ever since. The couple would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in August of this year.

Jack enjoyed camping, traveling, gardening, processing firewood and working on his farm. He was devoted to His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, faithfully serving the Lord in various capacities at Lakeland Baptist Church in Iron River. He was also active in filling the pulpit for Wabeno Baptist Church for many years. One of his favorite activities was spending time with his family and friends.

He began his career as a floor installer in Toledo. After moving back to the Upper Peninsula, he started his own business, Oberlin’s Kitchen and Bath, in Iron River in 1974.

Jack is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen; five children, Joyce Oberlin of Tecumseh, Mich., Jon (Jan) Oberlin of Iron River, Mark (Lois) Oberlin of Ada, Mich., Scott (Lauri) Oberlin of Crystal Falls and Jean (Jeff) Bjorkman of Iron River; one brother, Michael (Dawn) Oberlin of Michigan; two sisters, Mary Ellen (Gordon) Christian of Kentucky and Dolores (Ray) Macaro of Alabama; 18 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by son-in-law, Greg George; and great-granddaughter, Luna Flanagan.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 16 at Lakeland Baptist Church in Iron River. Funeral services will follow at noon at the church. Pastor Paul Starkweather will officiate the service and John’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

A private burial service will take place at Bates Township Cemetery.

The family would like to express its sincere thanks to the Iron County Medical Care staff and administration for their outstanding care for John.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Iron County Cancer Unit or Lakeland Baptist Church in John’s name.

Condolences to the family of John W. Oberlin may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.