John LeRoy Halifax

John L. Halifax, age 89 of Minden City, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at McKenzie Health System of Sandusky. He was born on November 12, 1934 in Minden City, to the late William and Charlotte "Irene" (Tanton) Halifax. John worked on the railroad for 3 years before joining the Army in 1957, where he served until 1959. During that time, he spent 18 months in Germany. Upon his return, John started working at Michigan Peat. On May 5, 1962, John and Mary Ann Oparka were united in marriage. John retired from Michigan Peat, in 2000, after 41 years. John enjoyed being outside, known as Farmer Jack by many. He helped many area farmers after retirement. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He shared his love of animals with many area children, even starting them out with their own "farm" animals. He helped many people with his knowledge of animals. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Halifax of Minden City, children: Betty Johnson of Port Hope, Beverly (Keith) Vogel of Minden City, Gerald Halifax of Minden City, Tammy Kellogg of Minden City, Craig (Paulette) Halifax of Ubly, and Janel (Dave) Gozdzinski of Ubly, 14 grandchildren: Cory Johnson, Brooke (Kyle) Hooper, Krystal (Nathan Gutleber, Brigette (Jared) Fielder, Chelsey Halifax (Brett) Amanda Halifax (Danny), Miranda Halifax, MaKayla Kellogg, William Halifax (Angel), Jacob Halifax, Andrew (Cristina) Gozdzinski, Emily Gozdzinski, Lindsey Gozdzinski and Christopher Gozdzinski, step grandchildren: Chad (Kelli) Johnson, Cari Johnson, Ryan & Kim Johnson, Austin Chernow, Gabe Arnold, 2 great grandchildren: Aubrie Gutleber, Ryleigh Hooper, 9 step great grandchildren: Logan, Madelyn and Jaelyn Johnson, Laken and Chandler Rosenthal, Blakei Fritz, Steven Depcinski, Keira Johnson and Piper Bambach, siblings: Betty smith, Jean Wilson, Marylou Kramer, sisters-in-law: Barb Halifax, Linda Halifax, Bernice Navock, Sue Halifax, and many nieces and nephews, He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Halifax, father and mother-in-law: Bernard & Monica Oparka, son-in-law Robert Johnson , 8 brothers, 4 sisters, 7 sisters-in-law, 7 brothers-in-law. Funeral Mass for John will be Friday, August 16, 2024 at 11 am, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, of the St. Isidore Parish. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Church Cemetery. Visitation for John will be Thursday, from 2-8pm at the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Visitation on Friday will be at the church, beginning at 10 am until time of services at 11 am. Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com

John LeRoy Halifax

November 12, 1934 - August 13, 2024