Obituary of John Emil Gold

John E. Gold Jr., 83, of South Bend, passed away at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility on Thursday, February 16, 2023.

John was born on March 10, 1939, to the late John E. Sr. and Laura (Villwock) Gold.  John grew up in the area of Evergreen Shores in St. Ignace, Michigan.  His family moved there around 1946. John graduated from LaSalle High School, Class of 1958.  His family moved back to Niles in 1960, but his heart was always in St. Ignace.  He bought his first home, a cabin in Evergreen Shores, from his aunt and uncle. 

He met Gloria Bush from Niles on a blind date in November of 1969 and they were married in the Methodist Church in Niles on December 4, 1971.  The summer cabin was their home for several years.  Gloria traveled with John on his jobs whenever possible.  He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers 324 for over 60 years.  He loved his job as a heavy equipment operator.  He worked in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Florida.  After two years in Florida, he and Gloria both knew that they would return to St. Ignace when it was time to retire.  John was a proud member of St. Ignace Moose #999.  He was also a member of the Niles Michigan Elks #3022.

John had a special love for the outdoors.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He loved to pick wild berries, mushrooms, and smoke fish.  Several years he went moose hunting in Canada, he went west on some mule deer trips with family and friends.  In later years he went on trips to Canada deer hunting with his best friend Ron Frazier and Ron’s sons and son-in-laws.

They built their home in St. Ignace in 1990 and John retired in 1995.  They remained in their home until 2015 when they realized their health issues it would be best for them to move back to Niles. They were able to be close to Gloria’s mom for four years before she passed.  Both of their families have taken good care of John and Gloria for the past eight years.  John’s wish, before he passed, was to know that Gloria would be safe and taken care of .  They sold their home in Niles and moved into an assisted living apartment. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Laura Gold; infant son, Brian Christopher Gold; in-laws, Richard and Betty Bush; and nephews, Tanner Scott and Tyler Hunt.

John is survived by his wife, Gloria; sisters, Nancy (Duane) Purucker and Linda (Henry) Purucker; brother, Robert Gold; nephews, Rick (Susan) Purucker, Tim (Shelly) Purucker, and Jeff (Elaina) Bata; nieces, Diane (Scott) Hunt, Michelle (Steve) Farr, Kari Purucker, Nicky (Dirk) Adam, Angie (Marvin) Mattson, and Kristi (Andy) Bartkowiak; sister-in-law, Joanne (Paul) Bata; and many extended family members and close friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel in Niles at 2:00 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior.