John Lee Golden

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend went home to be with his Lord, Sunday, May 2, 2021. Age 80 years and 4 days. John was born on April 28, 1941 to the late John H. and Elizabeth M. (Letts-Johnson) Golden in Saginaw, Michigan. He attended school in St. Charles. John joined the Navy in 1962 and became an Airedale (airplane mechanic), splitting his four-year enlistment between the East and West coasts. He married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra Lee Diem on August 1, 1964 in Saginaw. John worked as a machine repairman at B & K Tool and at Delphi Chassis, retiring from Delphi Chassis. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, and spending time with family. He was an avid reader, reading a book a day. He was involved in Civil War reenactments, a member of the Jaycees, Knights of Columbus (# 8808), and The American Legion. He was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for 55 years, enjoying parish campouts where he became infamous during Gong Show performances as Gene Gene the Dancing Machine and perfected the “bologna call.” He and Sandy were involved in Marriage Encounter marriage preparation classes with young couples and with Befrienders where they visited the elderly at St. Francis Home. John was a friendly people person, being known for telling his life story or the life stories of his family to anyone he met. He was known for his unusual and hilarious sayings, some of which made no sense to anyone but himself. In his later years, he enjoyed being an armchair carpenter and watching the birds and squirrels. John’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Sandy of Saginaw; his daughter, Kelly Pinet of Saginaw; his son, John Ladd (Lori) Golden of Midland; his daughters, Shannon Bula of Saginaw; and Casey Golden of Saginaw; seven grandchildren Jordan; John Cody; Emily; Zachary (Ahvi); Cicily; Joshua; and Joseph; siblings Larry Golden; and Jim (Kathy) Golden; Barb (Harvey) Sova; and Becky (Dave) Wolinski, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 7, 2021, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Rd. Saginaw, MI. Rev. Peter Gaspeny will officiate with burial in St. Andrew Cemetery with Military Honors under the auspices of the U.S. Navy and the St. Charles American Legion Post.. Friends may visit with family at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Rd. from 2:00-9:00 p.m. Thursday where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Kathy Myles will officiate. In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ordinance, indoor capacity is limited to 25 persons, face coverings are required, and social distancing encouraged. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to reduce the spread of covid-19 in our community. Friends and family may then visit at the church from 10:00 a.m. Friday until the time of the funeral Liturgy. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a donation to the National Kidney Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, or Holy Spirit Catholic Church in lieu of flowers.