Dr. John Francis Stageman, of Pickford, died on July 9, 2022, in Sault Ste. Marie at the age of 86.
He was born on July 30, 1935, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Dr. John Condon and Leola M. (Francis) Stageman.
John grew up in Clarkston and graduated from Clarkston High School. He then attended the University of Iowa and earned his Doctorate in Medicine. He met Janet Carol Rose and they married on January 18, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa.
Following John’s internship, he was drafted to the United Stated Air Force and stationed in Altus, Okla. After two years of service, he returned to Milwaukee, Wis., to complete his residency. He then moved on to specialty practice and the family moved to Jackson where he was an ear, nose, and throat specialist for 30 years. Throughout the years, they vacationed to the Eastern Upper Peninsula and after retiring in 1997, they moved to the log home they built in Pickford.
John was a member of the Jackson County Medical Society and the Jackson Country Club.
John kept busy with counted cross stitch fine art as a favorite pastime and to keep his surgeon hands steady. He also enjoyed golfing, gardening, reading, especially history and Civil War material, fly fishing, and hunting at Squaw Creek Hunting Club in Sagola.
John was also an avid sports fan of all professional teams in Michigan, no matter how much any team lost. John and Jan traveled in their motor home for 20 years visiting friends and family in New Mexico, Florida, California, Arizona, and Montana. John always said it was one of the most enjoyable times in his life.
John is survived by his wife Jan Stageman, children John “Christopher” (Ann) Stageman of Albuquerque, N.M., James “Alex” Stageman of DeTour, and Megan (Craig Henson) of Bozeman, Mont., grandson Andrew (Rudi) Parker, sister, Sally (Tom) Bullen of Clarkston, brother Don (Dawn) Stageman of Holland, and several nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held later this summer.
Arrangements entrusted to Galer Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may made to Michigan Nature Association, 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 100 Okemos, MI 48864, (866) 223-2231, or michigannature.org.