John Lattin

John A. Lattin lived every day with purpose. He knew what he wanted in life, and focused on achieving those goals, never unwavering when it came to his opinions and beliefs. Although some may have perceived John to be a bit “hard core”, those close to him saw his gentle, more caring side that was supportive, generous to a fault, and strong in faith.

1916 was a year full of excitement on all fronts. In science, Albert Einstein had just completed his theory of relativity, while in entertainment, Charlie Chaplin was at the height of his fame as a silent movie star. The political scene, too, was dynamic, as World War I raged through cities in Europe. In Humbolt, Iowa, John Lattin and his wife, Genevieve (Matott), were pretty excited themselves as they anxiously awaited the birth of their first child, who was due by the end of summer. On August 9, 1916, the couple proudly welcomed into the world their son, John. He was later joined by his younger brother, Richard, who completed the Lattin household.

John grew up in their small town of Humbolt, where he attended and graduated from the local public schools. A typical teenager, John had his share of mischief, and he loved to tell of the time when he and his buddies dismantled a manure spreader and put it back together on their high school stage. Funnier yet, they moved their principals outhouse in his backyard over ten feet, causing quite a stir. John also put his energy to good use, playing baseball on his high school team.

After World War II erupted overseas, John followed the same patriotic calling as other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He honorably served as a Tank Commander of the 753rd Tank Battalion, and saw action in Africa, Italy and France. He also had the privilege to serve with General George Patton in Europe. For his valor and bravery, John was honored with the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. After being wounded in battle, John returned to the states and spent eight months recuperating at Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. It was during his time at the hospital that John met a pretty nurse named Margaret White, and romance soon blossomed between the two. They were eventually married and settled into married life together in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It wasn’t long before John and Margaret filled their home with the joy and laughter of three children: twin daughters, Nancy and Mary born in 1947, sadly Mary died at birth; and son John “Jack” born in 1948.

John was always very hard working and determined to provide the best for his family. In the first years of marriage, he worked as a surveyor for Kingscott Engineering Co. and also went to school part-time to get his civil engineering degree. Once his degree was in hand, John, along with six partners, formed Trend Associates in 1960, wherein John served as the Engineer and Business Manager. Over the next several years, John and his company designed many buildings in the Kalamazoo area, including the St. Thomas More Parish Church. His work also included many schools, banks, country clubs and nursing homes throughout the Michigan area, as well as the rebuilding of the St. Augustine Cathedral, following a tornado. John eventually retired from Trend in the late 1980s, but still worked for them on occasion as a consultant.

Although business was booming, John’s marriage to Margaret ended in divorce in the early 1960s. In 1970, John married Irene, who died eleven years later in 1981. Although he never married again, John developed a deep friendship and companionship with Louise Moore. She later became ill, and John tenderly cared for her until she died in 2004.

Although his career kept him busy, John always found time to give back to his community. For many years, he volunteered his time with the NAACP to help build a new youth center in Kalamazoo, and as a staunch Democrat, he served on several committees. John was a lifelong member of the Elks BPOE #50 in Kalamazoo, American Legion #207, VFW #1527 and the Disabled American Veterans Buck Crosby Post 6. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Augustine Cathedral. A proud Veteran, John remained in contact with his World War II buddies from his Tank Battalion, and over the years they got together for several reunions. John and his daughter Nancy were able to take a trip to Washington, D.C. to see the new World War II monument which honored his fallen comrades.

John wasn’t all work and no play though. He was an avid hunter, and a 45-year member of a private deer camp in northern Michigan called The Highbanks Hunt Club. In later years, when John began walking with a cane and getting around was tough, his good friends made a handicapped parking spot and erected a hunting blind marked for “handicapped only” so John could still get out there with them. When it came to sports, John was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye’s fan his entire life. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed tending to the beautiful yellow roses in his garden.

Sadly, John died of congestive heart failure at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center on Wednesday, October 17, 2007. His family would like to express a special “thank you” to the Battle Creek Veteran’s Hospital and staff in Building 83-2, who took such great care of him.

John Lattin served his country as a courageous solider, his community as a respected businessman, and his family as a devoted husband and father. He may have been opinionated, stubborn and demanding, yet it was his incredibly kind heart that made him the man people were proud to know.

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Blossey, and son, John “Jack” (Lori) Lattin, both of Lansing; stepdaughters: Susan Lamb of Cincinnati, OH, and Jan (Mac) Avery of Denver, CO; numerous nieces and nephews across the country. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; his second wife, Irene; and longtime companion, Louise Moore. Learn more about John and view his Life Story Film on Sunday, October 21, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler - 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (375-2900), with an evening service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 22, at St. Augustine Cathedral. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Following the burial, food and fellowship will be shared at Fr. Crowley Cathedral Center. Please visit John’s memory web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.