John C. Stump

John C. Stump, 79, of Onaway, formerly of Petoskey, died at home Tuesday, September 20, 2022.  Born in Savannah, Georgia September 30, 1942, John was the son of Warren and Jean (Goold) Stump.  He was raised at Black Lake where as a young boy he attended a country school.  His middle and high school years were spent in Cheboygan where he graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1960.  He went on to join the U.S. Army, honorably serving as a military police officer and was stationed in Korea.  On September 17, 1964, John married the love of his life, Janet Ann Pletzer,  in Toledo, Ohio and they made their home in Petoskey.

John made his career in the auto sales business. With his love of cars and his friendly personality, it was a job that suited him well. Through the years he worked for several dealerships, including Anschuetz Chevrolet in Alpena and Tallberg’s in Petoskey. John eventually went into business for himself owning and operating Bay Area Motors and Auto World, both in Petoskey.

An avid outdoorsman, John loved hunting and fishing. He looked forward to deer season every fall, loved working on his deer blind, and most of all, enjoyed spending time at hunting camp with his sons. Nothing made John happier than the camraderie of deer camp with his boys and having Thanksgiving dinner at camp with all his family there with him. He enjoyed fishing in northern Michigan as well as saltwater fishing in Florida, golfing, and working in his yard. Much of his yard work was accomplished from the seat of his tractor as John was constantly moving dirt, clearing trees, or working in his orchard. John and Janet enjoyed traveling, going on cruise ship vacations, and spending the winter months in Florida. Quite a character, John Stump had a fantastic sense of humor. He was personable, friendly, and hospitable.  He absolutely loved to feed people; no one ever left John’s home without having more than enough to eat.  

John’s greatest passion was his family. He loved every minute he spent with them and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He will be missed by his wife of 58 years, Janet Stump, of Onaway; sons, Bryan (Robin) Stump of Petoskey, Craig (Peg) Stump of Mackinaw City and Pat Stump (fiancee Brenda Morgan) of Afton; and two granddaughters, Madison and Abby, both of Petoskey. He also leaves his brother, Jack (Kitty) Stump of San Diego, California; sisters,

Janet Al Aramdam of Kuwait and Judy Henry of Rudyard; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Jim and Jerry Stump.

Sincere thanks and gratitude to Hospice of the Straits for the compassion and care shown to John and the entire Stump family. 

John will be honored by his family privately. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of John to Hospice of the Straits, ℅ McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation, 360 Connable, Suite 3, Petoskey,  Michigan 49770. 

Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.