John W. Toski

John Walter Toski passed away peacefully August 6, 2012 in the company of loving family. John was born November 22, 1925 in Iron Mountain, Michigan. His parents, Joseph and Anna Toski passed away when John was a child so he was raised by his older sisters. At age 15, he moved to Washington D.C. to live with his sister Alyce for a short time then relocated to Pontiac, Michigan to live with his sister Mildred and her husband, Henry Cudnohufsky. He attended Pontiac Senior High School with his nephew, John Cudnohufsky and it was there he met his future wife and love of his life, Barbara Jean Moen. John joined the US Navy after graduation. He was a navigator/radio technician and served in WWII from 1943 to 1945.

Following his service in the Navy, John returned home to Pontiac. He reconnected with Barb and on August 16, 1952 he and Barbara Moen were married. They built their first home in Rochester, Michigan and together they raised five children. John worked for General Motors and Detroit Broach as an electrical engineer. He and Barb enjoyed many friendships in Rochester. Thoughtful neighbors, active in their church, golf leagues, Rochester Women’s Club Emeritus group and volunteering in the community. Upon retirement, John and Barb moved to the home of Barb’s parents on Green Lake in Interlochen, Michigan. Barb and John traveled extensively around the world and wintered in Arizona near friends and family from Michigan.

In recent years, Barb was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and has lived at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City. John was a faithful, loving husband attending to her every day and caring for her with deep devotion. An inspiration to all who came to know him, he set the bar high for all to love and care for each other as he did. Always a warm smile, encouraging words and hugs for all he came to know. John was generous and helpful, encouraging and enlightening. Truly a blessing from God, he will be greatly missed by all.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean Moen Toski, daughters Alyce Johnine “A.J.”Reamer (Greg), Geri Ann Toski-Beeman(Duane), Mary Jo Pomeroy (John); twin sons, David (Tina Larsen) and Paul Toski (Chris Otto); grandchildren Greg (Elisha)Robinson, Amy (Patrick)O’Neill, Elizabeth Robinson (Cris Pico), Patti Lorenzen (Chris Miller), Cory Lorenzen; Casey, Alissa and Anna Beeman, Daniel and Andrew Tollzien (Kayla Cousino), Rachel and Alex Pomeroy; Trevor Toski; great grandchildren Kylie and Keenan O’Neill, Grace, Samuel, and Isaac Robinson, Lilia and Maya Miller; granddogs Dozer, Ruby, Sadie, Tiger, Marlo, Kelsey, Olive, Baxter, Jackson and Gunner; and a wonderful extended family and caring friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Toski and Anna Cox, sisters Mary, Alyce and Mildred, brothers Rudy, Joey and Paul.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Grand Traverse Pavilions for all their love and special attention to Barb and John.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Silver Lake Road. A Military honor ceremony will follow.

In lieu of flowers , memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 921 W. 11th St., Suite 1W, Traverse City, MI 49684. Arrangements are being handled by Covell Funeral Home.