John W. Bureau

John W. Bureau, 82, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed peacefully surrounded by his family, Tuesday, March 10 in Bonita Springs, FL. He was born in Toledo in 1932 to William and Austa (Whetstone) Bureau. He graduated from Liberty Center High School. John married his High School sweetheart, Marilyn Swartzlander, in 1953.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, during the Korean War. John was assigned to a medical battalion motor transport as a mechanic and tow truck driver. He contracted malaria and was returned to Camp Le Jeune.

John has been very active in the boating world. He was a Past Commodore of The National Rebel Association (1969), Perrysburg Boat Club (1970), Associated Yacht Club (1978), and the Inter-Lake Yachting Association (1984). He was also I-LYA’s President of Trustees, Jr. Sail Chair, Senior Sail Chair, and member and past treasurer of IOBG. John was a fixture on the Board at Perrysburg Boat Club for 30 years as Sec.-Treasurer. He was best known as a diligent worker in promoting sail and powerboat activities. He earned recognition from USYRU as a Senior Race Officer. John, for many years could be seen aboard the race committee boat for The Carson Cup, Mills Race, I-LYA and PBC Regatttas.

He retired from LOF and went into business with R.J.Sattler until 1981. In 1982, he and his son Mike, started and co-owned Bureau Concrete, Inc. and BJB Construction. John’s curb work was well known for being the best in the Toledo area. After 30 years as a successful company, they closed the doors and retired.

John loved all sports, but he especially loved watching BGSU football. He was very supportive of the football athletes, hockey center and the Sebo and Stroh Centers. He will be sadly missed and his memory cherished.

Surviving are his children Michel J. (Mary) Bureau of Perrysburg, Teresa S Frick of Bowling Green, and Ronald W. (Darla) Bureau of Laurel, MT. Grandchildren: John M. and Suzanne M. Bureau, Andrew R. and Amanda L. Frick, Joshua R. (Chantel), Anthony T. and PFC Ryan J. Bureau. Great grandchildren, Ezra and Marilyn, sister, Kate Carpenter, special friend, Joan O’Connell. John was preceded in death by his loving wife Marilyn, daughter Peggy Ann Bureau, his parents, brothers Harry, Donald, and Robert Bureau, sisters Virginia Warner, Bonnie Zeigler, and Mary Jo Lindau.

Friends will be received from 1 – 6 P.M. on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home 222 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg, OH 43551 (419-874-3133). Prayers will be recited at 9:45 A.M. in the funeral home on Monday, March 16th followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. at St. Rose Church, 215 E. Front St., Perrysburg with burial in St. Rose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in the form of contributions to the BGSU Athletic Department.