John Mangold

Honest and hard working, John Mangold lived a full and long life. He sacrificed much for the benefit and well being of his family, even from an early age. He knew the value of a dollar, and although he was not too keen on showing outward emotion or affection, he kept his family and faith closest to his heart. Traditional and proper, John had a wonderful sense of humor and was a great storyteller. He took to heart the infamous motto, "Don't worry, be happy", and truly lived it. Unwavering in his beliefs, John will be remembered for the love and dedication he held for those he loved and cared about. He will be sorely missed. For many, immigrating to the United States brought hope and promise. Such was the case for John and Gesiene (Cordes) Mangold who came to the U.S. from war torn Germany in search of a better life. Settling in the community of Whitehall, Michigan, the young couple struggled to support their growing family. World War I brought many worries to the lives of ordinary people during this time, but the era also introduced many new things. Family was the top priority in American living, and was beautifully depicted as Norman Rockwell's paintings began to grace the covers of the Saturday Evening Post. The invention of the light switch made life easier indeed, and the introduction of Lincoln Logs became a childhood favorite. In the midst of these times, hope was evident in the lives of the Mangold family when at home they welcomed the birth of their youngest child, a little boy they named John Franz on August 30, 1916. John grew up with his siblings Frederick and Louise where German was the primary language in their home until World War II. John's father supported the family with the family business, J. G. Mangold Jeweler, while his mother stayed home as a homemaker. A strong German Lutheran family, they were faithful members of St. James Lutheran Church, walking from Whitehall to Montague every Sunday for services. Although John enjoyed a typical childhood growing up, times were lean and John's family was no exception. They raised rabbits, chickens, and tended to a large garden that provided much of their daily needs. When John was young, he found various odd jobs to support his struggling family, and at the core of John's heart there remained much generosity throughout his life. A one room school house in the Whitehall area gave John his early education where he excelled in math and history. In 1934 he graduated from Whitehall High School. For fun, John and his friends found enjoyment at the local roller rink where John loved to skate. After high school John worked with the Wackernagel brothers learning carpentry and assisting them with building homes. He also learned wallpapering. In 1942 John left for the Army, was stationed in Texas, and discharged due to a knee injury suffered in training camp. He returned home to Whitehall in 1943, searched for work, and again enjoyed roller skating. It was while roller skating at Curve Crest Roller Rink in North Muskegon that John's heart would be forever changed when he met a beautiful dark haired young lady named Irene Kitchka. The two became friends. In search of work, John moved to Hoboken, New Jersey to work in the shipyards for a few years. While there, John was instrumental in converting the Queen Mary passenger liner to a troop carrier in preparation for U.S. involvement during World War II. Throughout this time, John and Irene held a special place in one another's hearts. Theirs was a gradual relationship, and over time, they realized they were in love. They exchanged letters until John's eventual return home. He and Irene were married on May 18, 1946, at the Slovak Lutheran Church in Muskegon Heights. The ever growing Jackson Hill area in Muskegon, Michigan became their first home. The early years of their life together were meager. Their rental apartment didn't even have a bathtub or shower, but in 1948 they built a home of their own at 1142 Calvin Street where they remained throughout their lives. In time, they were blessed with four wonderful daughters whom they cherished. Pauline, Carolyn, Margaret, and Elaine blessed their lives with great joy. The greatest treasure in John's life was his family. He sacrificed much for them and did so with a devoted heart. As a cabinet maker, he worked tirelessly at American Store Equipment, and even walked to and from work everyday. John worked overtime just to earn the extra money needed to purchase his daughter Margaret a piano. It continues to grace her home and serves as an everlasting reminder of her father's lasting love. It was a trying time for the family when Carolyn came down with rheumatic fever in 1956, but much prayer and to John's grateful relief, she was able to overcome it. John and Irene kept their family close throughout the years. Although they were strict in their girl's upbringing, it proved to be beneficial to them beyond measure. An industrious and hard worker, the 1970's found John trying his hand at carpentry. He worked for Carpenter's Union Local 100 and helped build the power plant in Ludington, Michigan. He also worked on various apartment complexes through the Muskegon area. A family tradition was to attend the Ionia Free Fair each year, and Friday evenings during the warmer summer months consisted of lots of popcorn along with a feature or two at the Getty Drive-In Theater. Wonderful memories were made going roller and ice skating together, as well as sledding down the many hills and dunes the area boasted. Every winter John made a big ice rink in the family yard. Sunday afternoons in the summer meant enjoying drives throughout Michigan, especially when ice cream along the way was in order. They also enjoyed many get-togethers with friends and family. Their card club consisted of six families who played Canasta and also enjoyed getting together for picnics and New Years Eve parties. In all they did, an enjoyable time was sure to be had by all. John never asked for much in life. Content with his bowl of Rice Krispies, he never knew a true vacation. He found joy working in his huge fruit and vegetable garden and loved his cats. He was allergic to dogs, but cats always found their way into John's heart. Later in life, John found pleasure with woodworking. He loved working with his long, lanky hands in his basement workshop where he made many projects for his daughters over the years. Even after retiring in 1980, John's giving soul continued to persevere. He became the primary caregiver not only for his parents, but to many aunts and uncles, too. So giving, John was especially devoted in caring for Irene when she was diagnosed in 1965 with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and continued to do so even as her disease progressed. Delighted when grandchildren came along, both John and Irene loved every minute they could spend with them. Overjoyed with the birth of their first grandchild Christina in 1968, John was also able to enjoy the birth of their last grandchild Seth with his birth in 2004. John was devastated when Irene died in 1992 at the age of 65, but he continued to pour his time and effort into his family as they lovingly stayed by his side. Very involved in the lives of his grandchildren, John celebrated each of their birthdays over the years. He enjoyed making handmade wooden toys including a large set of blocks and train sets for them to enjoy. In the years that followed Irene's death, John also discovered a new found enjoyment for cooking and made delicious homemade pies. Even though John's love for his family was unspoken, he had a wonderful way of showing his unending love through his actions. When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2002, his quality of life took a gradual decline, but John's smile remained ever present. A kind and hard working man, John Franz Mangold received his best Christmas gift ever and went home to celebrate with his Lord on Christmas morning, December 25, 2009 at the age of 93. He was blessed to receive excellent care in his final days by the loving staff of Chestnut Fields Retirement Living Center and Harbor Hospice. John is survived by his children, Pauline Mangold of Muskegon, Carolyn (Michael) Rork of Norton Shores, Margaret (Dennis) Ziemba Nagel of Grand Rapids and Elaine (Todd) Vander Boegh of Jenison, MI; ten grandchildren: Chris (Jon) Toppen, Ed (Kim) Redmon, Kathy (Redmon) Hutchins, Todd (Meena) Rork, Angie (Adam) Helfrey, Sean (Kelli) Rork, Aaron Ziemba, Brian (Holly) Ziemba, Skyler and Seth Vander Boegh; 12 great grandchildren; and brother-in-law, William (Emily) Kitchka. SERVICE: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 11:00 AM at St. James Lutheran Church, Montague, Michigan with Rev. John Brooks officiating. Interment at Mona View Cemetery. VISITATION: Wednesday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Fruitport. MEMORIAL: St. James Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or Harbor Hospice of Muskegon. Please visit www.clocklifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory, photo or to sign his online guest book.