John Wayne LaDere

John Wayne LaDere, 85, of East Jordan, Michigan, passed away suddenly Thursday evening, December 18, 2025. John was born on July 23, 1940, in Boyne City, Michigan, to Archie D. and Edith P. (Lane) LaDere. He grew up in Boyne City, graduating from Boyne City High School in 1958.

John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Lulu J LaDere, Richard D. LaDere, and Yvonne LaDere; his wife Joanne (Higbee) LaDere; daughter Kimberly-Jo Morgan; and special friend Joyce Chanda.

He is survived by his son John J (Kim) LaDere of Boyne City; daughters Lorraine (Wes) Christie of Vista, CA; Terri (Randy) Fettig of Petoskey; and son-in-law John Morgan of Alanson; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; his former wife and friend Janet Gardner; close friend and neighbor Ron Bennett; friend Brenda Skop; and his feline companion Cheetch.

John was a kind, friendly and hard-working man. Having lived in the area his whole life, he kept lifelong friendships with an uncountable number of people and enjoyed nothing more than attending gatherings with family and friends of all generations. John was a long-time CB enthusiast spending evenings talking to family and friends. He was a proud retiree of East Jordon Iron Works after 35 years of service. He had many friends from the foundry and continued to attend the annual summer picnics after his retirement. With retirement and the loss of his wife Joanne, John became a fixture at the East Jordan Senior Center enjoying meals and playing cards with old and new friends alike.

John will be truly missed by all who knew him.

We love you Dad.

Taper Base over and out.

A Celebration of life for John Wayne LaDere will be held on February 7, 2026 at the American Legion Hall Post 227, 305 Main St, East Jordon, Mi from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

Please join the family in remembering John. Lunch will be served.

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.