John J. Hawk

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, surrounded by his family, went to be with his Lord on September 21, 2024. Age 69 years. 

The son of the late John “Jack” and Catherine “Kitty” (Lavin) Hawk was born on May 2, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Inkster until his family relocated to a farm in Sandusky his senior year of high school where he graduated in 1972. John worked on the family farm until he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in 1975. He served four years, being honorably discharged in 1979. He then joined the reserves and retired in 2001. 

John began working at Consumers Energy in 1980 as a custodian. He then started trade school and began working at Croton-Hardy Dam in Newaygo. It was while living there that he met the woman that would become his wife on a blind date. John married Maria Gonzalez on November 25, 1989. He began working as a tree trimmer for Consumers and was relocated to Allegan in 1993. This is where he and Maria put down their roots and raised their four children. John eventually became a journeyman lineman, a role he cherished and that brought him immense joy. He retired on July 1, 2024, after 44 years of dedicated service to his community. 

John loved traveling, especially on his motorcycle in his younger days and then taking road trips with his wife and kids every summer accomplishing the feat of driving to 48 states. He also loved good food and often planned their family vacations around restaurants he saw on TV. John had a love of nature and could name any tree or bird he saw. He enjoyed being outside, especially in the water. John was hard working and never complained or worried, leaving everything in God’s hands. He was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church and a 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. 

John was bigger than life; a gentle giant who never met a stranger. He would give anyone the shirt off his back. John was incredibly generous and genuine and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. 

Surviving are his wife, Maria Hawk, four children: John “Johnni” Hawk Jr., Maria “Kitty” (Michael Troub) Hawk, Gabriela “Gabbi” (Paul) Lynch, and Isabella “Izzy” Hawk; five grandchildren: Gavin, Emmett John, Cecelia, Beau and Maggie; siblings Katie (Skip) Loss, Hilda (Mark) Stefan, and Bernie Hawk; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Along with his parents he was predeceased by an infant brother, James Michael Hawk. 

Friends may visit with the family at Winkel Funeral Home from 4-8 PM, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, where a rosary will be said at 7:30 PM.

The Funeral liturgy will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at St. Margaret Catholic Church.

 Burial will take place at 11:30 A.M., Monday, September 30, 2024, at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Wounded Warrior Project or American Cancer Society.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.