John E. Demmer

John was a wonderful man who I’ve known over 30 years. He and Bill took a big chance on me and I will be forever in their debt. I learned a lot from John, and I always appreciated his advice and counsel. May he rest in peace.

Worked at Demmer for 48 years, had a lot of fun with John between work, Christmas party’s, summer party’s, doing government jobs for him where I learned to do them for my self, which John approved of as long as it was on my own time. Didn’t see much of him theses last few years. He was strict but friendly. I’m going to miss him.

Bill, Peg and family……. Your dad will be sorely missed by all who knew him! This world is a far better place because he graced it with his gentle yet compelling presence. I will always remember his “Hey, Tim” and warm handshake whenever we saw each other. My fondest memory is the evening he received The Man Of The Year award at the game dinner. Such a well deserved recognition! My son (Ryan) was fortunate to also know him and work for him while attending MSU. Thank you John for being the man you are and bring a part of our lives. Your legacy is immense and I know that Bill will carry it to great heights. God speed, Tim Watts.

I learned about The Young Americans through John and Bill Demmer. Their passion for this great organization is truly remarkabe, as was John Demmer. When the YA’s would sing for John you could see the love and joy. John you will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure and honor of meeting and knowing you.

To the family,

I want to extend my family’s deepest condolences, John was a very special man. He had a great sense of honor and zest for life. I so enjoyed many conversations with him.
May god bless your family at this difficult time.

LynnErin Daley

John was a wonderful caring man. He will be missed by so many. God be with you all as you mourn your loss.

On behalf of the Pakkala family, our condolences to the Demmer family. We are grateful for the opportunities that Mr. Demmer and Demmer Corp. has afforded us. He always greeted me with a warm, genuine smile and firm handshake.The positive impact he’s made on the community is far-reaching and will last for years to come.

I found a poem that I want to share.
What is a friend …
A friend is like a flower, a rose to be exact, Or maybe like a brand new gate that never comes unlatched.
A friend is like an owl, both beautiful and wise.
Or perhaps a friend is like a ghost, whose spirit never dies.
A friend is like those blades of grass you can never mow. A friend is like a heart that grows strong until the end. Where would we be in this world if we didn’t have a friend. John was my friend.

It’s hard to put into words the effect that Mr. D had on our small community of Harbor Springs, but suffice it to say that his memory will be cherished here forever. Personally, I have always thought that he was the coolest man I’ve ever known. Flopsie and I will miss him dearly, but we know in our hearts that this world is a far better place because of John Demmer’s presence. Peg, Ed, Bill…you “Rinky Dinks” should be so very proud of your Dad, and I know you are.

Mr. D was always quick with a good joke or three, and I’m sure that he must have St. Peter rolling with laughter by now. Rest In Peace, kind Sir.

Condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers to Liz, Russell and the rest of the Chambers crew. His philanthropy to MSU was second to none. Go Green

John Demmer was a great Spartan, a great American and just a wonderful man. Mr. Demmer was always there for our Spartan football program and he supported the Spartans through thick and thin. He will be remembered as one of the true patriarchs of our program. I feel honored to have know John Demmer. He always cared, and was kind and generous. His legacy will live on through his wonderful and caring family. We will all miss him dearly.

God speed Mr. Demmer. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.

Our heartfelt sympathy to the Demmer family.

It was an honor and privilege to know the incredible Mr. D. His zest for life was contagious and his presence will be sorely missed. He touched the lives of so many and will forever be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, generosity and last but not least, humor.

With much love…

I was just an old country boy from South Carolina That knew a lot about Robotics and I was given the privilege to work for Bill in Lansing and John would show up in his golf cart and take charge. I felt like family there and John was a true role model for me. I owe them a grateful thank you. God Bless John Demmer!

What a fine example of what a person can be, achieve, contribute, and leave behind. He is the finest example of the greatest generation. From serving in, and surviving some of the toughest war time battles, to building a successful business which helped so many peoples’ lives, to cherishing his wife and leaving a rich family legacy, to supporting so many causes that brought him and others joy, and always helping Spartans be their best, John Demmer’s list of successes and contributions to the lives around him is longer then any of us can hope to accrue.

We offer our sincere condolences to his entire family; but we also hope that your sadness will be tempered by the immense pride you should all have for your patriarch, and the knowledge that his was a life very well lived.

I think weeding the myrtle for Mr. and Mrs. Demmer is one of the earliest jobs I can remember (other than for family!) He was always so generous and kind to our hometown; I have great memories of a group of us starting a Thanksgiving Dinner to be delivered to the area’s needy at the old Parish Hall, John told us to go to the IGA and buy the turkeys on his account. That tradition lasted for many years, along with his generosity. Attending his 4th of July party every summer and bringing along the Sault Pipes and Drums Band to see John was always a highlight and he enjoyed them so much. He was a dear friend of my Dad’s, along with so many other locals, and I am sad we have lost such a sweet man. I am happy to have gotten my kiss from him a couple of months ago when he brought his entourage into the Legion to have his weekly cribbage dinner. He was an extremely honorable man I will never forget and feel very privileged to have known him most of my life. Blessings to all of his family during this time.

Just an Incredible Man.
John Demmer meant so much to Michigan State, Harbor Springs, The Young Americans and everyone that was ever touched by his heart, spirit and endless generosity. God Speed to a truly great American Hero.

God Bless you, my cousins, your Dad, was a special, spiritual, ever positive soul. My memories are unique , they evolve around our families, growing up together in Lansing. Our families were unusual, in that, two Olofsson sisters married two Demmer brothers, we all grew up, celebrating holidays, summers, winters, it didn’t matter the season, we were a family. My memories evolve around the Olofsson household, the many parties, dressing up for the holidays, and the “singing”! Your Dad was such a participant, that lived on in his many contributions, his living legacy. I still vividly recall a party, 15 years ago, when your father and my father sang together! Just like the old times. Bless you all. We were all raised in a participatory family, many individuals, all living, much singing! That is how I will remember your father, a joyous soul, who worked tirelessly, served his country, took time to give, laugh, love.. and sing! Will always recall your Mother, my Aunt Marnie, smiling, enjoying it all.

There are many journeymen today who began their apprenticeship at D.T.D. or later Demmer Corp. I like many others ,say thanks again, John for the life long skill”