John Grove, 85, of Hessel, died at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey Tuesday evening, January 6, 2009.

He was born in Bay City to Albert and Loretta Grove September 30, 1923.

Mr. Grove worked for Weber Construction in Bay City before moving north, and worked for Alpine Construction as a truck driver during the building of M- 134. He also cut pulp wood for much of his life, and taught his children the same trade.

A true outdoorsmen, Mr. Grove loved to hunt and fish, pick berries, and worked for many loggers. He was a private contractor for logging at one time.

He married Gladys Doah in Bay City April 1, 1950. Together, they had 11 children.

Survivors are his wife, and his children, including five sons and their families, Paul and Rose Grove, John and Joanie Grove, Ronald and Carrie Grove, Robert Grove, Duane and Priscilla Grove, all of St. Ignace; six daughters and their families, Pamela and Gary Ballard of St. Ignace, Wanda and Howard Sodlak of Bay City, Nancy and James Brandt of Hessel, Connie and Chester Sayles of St. Ignace, Gladys and Sy Spring of Kincheloe, and Linda and Larry Bartlett of Midland; a sister, Edith Emerick of Flint; 35 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Vivian Jolly of California, Audrey Quick of Bay City, and Loretta Simmons of St. Ignace; three brothers, August Grunland of Bay City, Albert Grunland of Flint, and Albert Carl Grove II of St. Ignace, and a son, Randy J. Grove.

Visitation was held Friday, January 9, at Dodson Funeral Home in St. Ignace, and services were Saturday, January 10, at the funeral home with Floyd Lamoreaux officiating.

Burial will be in the spring at Rockview Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to a charity of choice or to the family, with envelopes available at Dodson Funeral Home.