John R. Hutchinson, Jr.

John “Hutch” Hutchinson of Ottawa Lake, Michigan, died unexpectedly on July 23, 2021. He was 59 years old.

Hutch was known for his humor and laughter, always making jokes and bringing a smile to those around him. He selflessly took care of his family in numerous ways. As the family handyman, he joyfully painted rooms and assisted with home repairs at a moment’s notice. He loved the water, often taking his family on vacations to the lake or ocean. One of his favorite roles was as Papa to his grandsons. He frequently played with them outside in the garage or yard, getting into an array of shenanigans.

Born in Toledo on August 20, 1961, he was a 1979 graduate of Whitmer High School and a graduate of The Ohio State University, where he received a degree in transportation and logistics. A long-time resident of Michigan and ever a Buckeye, he bravely and proudly displayed a Michigan license plate with IAM4OSU, often met with interesting thoughts and frequent photos from passing motorists.

A pillar of the Whiteford community, he served on the board of Whiteford Agricultural Schools and was the announcer for Whiteford High School football and softball games and the emcee of musicals for Whiteford High School for many years. A man of deep faith, he was a long-time member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Ottawa Lake, where he was currently serving as church council president and volunteered on many projects over the years.

His first job was at Bill Knapp’s restaurant, where he would impress the customers by tossing their chocolate cakes in the air and flipping them into the box. This also caught the eye of Janet LaPointe, his future wife, though little did she know this was just the beginning of his antics.

Hutch was a long-time employee of Owens Corning, where he enjoyed the comradery of special colleagues and graced them with countless practical jokes. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 1986, completing most of his service in Greece.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janet; daughters, Abbey Jennings (Shawn) and Kelsey Kimmelman (Jim); beloved grandsons, Micah, Cole, and Nate (with another expected in a few months); father, John Hutchinson Sr.; and sister, Robin Hutchinson-Bell (Julian). He was proceeded in death by his mother, Yvonne; and parents-in-law, Ernie and Lillian LaPointe.

To celebrate his life, in Hutch fashion, pull a harmless prank, silly walk down the grocery aisle, and give your family an extra hug. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider a gift to St. Michael Lutheran Church or Whiteford Agricultural Schools athletic or music boosters.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main St., Sylvania, Ohio. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 29 at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 5790 W. Temperance Rd., Ottawa Lake, Michigan. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.

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