John Farrer

John Farrer, 74, of Portage, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away Friday, September, 20, 2024 at Ascension Borgess Hospital with family at his side.

The son of John A and Maxine (Olds) Farrer, John was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Mi on September 24, 1949. He attended Kalamazoo Central High School and obtained his diploma from Delton-Kellogg High School. On November 9, 1978, John married Patricia DeYoung in Nashville, Tn.

At the age of 18, John enlisted in the Army. He valued his service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant with the 101st Airborne. As part of his service, John received a Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle M-16) and Marksman (Rifle M-14)

John enjoyed camping, fishing, (especially with Operation Injured Soldiers for the South Haven Salute to Veterans out of South Haven, Mi), watching hockey (Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Kalamazoo Wings), and baseball. John loved watching his youngest grandsons play little league.

John is survived by his sons Douglas Farrer of Otsego, Mi, Robert (Carolyn) Farrer of Converse, Tx, and Aindríu (Michele) Mausten of Tacoma, Wa; his daughter Erinn Routh of Allegan, Mi; step-son Christopher (Michelle) DeYoung of Kalamazoo, Mi; eight grandchildren, Kristin (Ma’Quan) Goodjoint, Xander Routh, Samantha Dean, Peyton Routh, Aodhán Mausten, Eirík Mausten, Kolby Novotny, and Dakota Novotny; two great-grandsons; and numerous extended relatives whom he had connected with in recent years.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and twin granddaughters, Gwyniviere & Onora Mausten

A service honoring the life of John Farrer will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mi on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:00am with a luncheon to follow (details forthcoming).