JOHN WILLIAM POUGET, 78, of Metamora, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on June 4, 2022. Born and raised in Detroit, John graduated from St. David Catholic School in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for four years, primarily as a French/English translator in Ethiopia. After returning home, John earned a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University and worked for more than thirty years as a loan officer at First Federal of Michigan.
While John was a dedicated, hard-working, and loyal employee, he also was – first and foremost – a family man. He married Katherine (“Kay”) Thompson on August 21, 1971, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised two daughters, Claire and Anne, and John instilled in them many of their core values, including the importance of education, determination, and perseverance. John also was blessed with four grandsons, Jamie, Owen, Evan, and Rory, whom he deeply treasured.
John lived a life of deep faith and most recently was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Goodrich. He loved meeting new people, learning about their lives, and drawing connections. Known for his consummate work ethic and generosity, including with both his time and talents, John was always there to lend a hand to family members and friends alike, never seeking or wanting recognition for his efforts.
John enjoyed his retirement, leisurely days at the cottage, playing bridge, hosting holiday gatherings, reading, golfing, and traveling, and he recently discovered an interest in baking, which he truly loved sharing with others. He was a huge sports fan and was always planning his next trip to watch his grandsons, whether on the track, at the ballpark, or on the court. Win or lose, he always offered words of encouragement, along with his own special brand of advice. He also followed the ups and downs of all the major sports teams in Detroit over the years but had a special place in his heart for the Michigan Wolverines.
John was very much loved, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay; loving children, Claire (Gerry) Harrison and Anne (Michael) Doerbecker; cherished grandchildren, Jamie and Owen Harrison and Evan and Rory Doerbecker; dearest siblings, Robert Pouget, Denise Tietze, Barbara (Dave) Engler, Patti Gonyeau, Andrea (Steve) Roddy, Brian (Bev) Pouget, Mary Pouget, and Anita (Bill) Kennedy, as well as his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, remaining family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lenore Pouget; and his siblings, Rev. Richard A. Pouget, Kathryn Potts, and Jane Elizabeth Pouget.
Visitation will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 19800 Pembroke Ave., Detroit, Michigan, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 3-4:30 p.m. with a Funeral Mass immediately following at 4:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of the last years of his life, which John dedicated to caring for his wife, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
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