John G. Vandermark

John Vandermark, aged 72, passed away on September 20, 2023. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on May 23, 1951 in Detroit, John was a lifelong Royal Oak resident. He lost his right leg following an accident when he was a teenager but didn’t let it stop him from living life to the fullest. He went on to graduate from Wayne State University with a degree in Computer Programming. His career included working for the State of Michigan, Wayne State University, and contract work in several cities across the country. After retiring he spent a couple of summers working at Yellowstone National Park (to pursue his love of fishing and his enjoyment of the wildlife and scenery), spent several seasons working various Oakland County golf courses and as an election worker for the City of Royal Oak.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed reading, bowling, and loved all types of music. Time spent with family was filled with playing board and card games, Sunday picnics at Yates Cider Mill and Bloomer State Park, sharing anecdotes about family and our vast pet menagerie, and celebrating many huge Polish family weddings and get-togethers. He was always there to offer guidance and support. An avid golfer, he enjoyed golfing with friends and family; his vacations gave him the opportunity to play courses all over the country.

Traveling was one of John’s great loves. His favorite national park was Yellowstone, but he was fortunate enough to also visit Denali, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Glacier, the Canadian Rockies and way too many others to list.  While his entire family was born with the “travel gene,” his love for heading west probably began with a 1969 trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with big sister Sandy. 

John is survived by sisters: Sandy (Ron) Schultz, Donna Vandermark (Rick Hartsoe), Cindy and Judy, nieces and nephews Carole (Michael) Keller, Paul (Michelle) Schultz, Mark Schultz, John (Elizabeth) Schultz and Joy Schultz, and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Jennie Vandermark.

Visitation will be at the Edward Korkoian Funeral Home (Spiller-Spitler Chapel) on Saturday, September 30, 2023.  Visitation from 2-5 p.m. with a brief service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society or the Royal Oak Animal Shelter.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.