John Abuja

Mr. John Abuja, age 97, of Sparta and formerly of Kent City, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, December 10, 2006. During the Depression he worked for food by digging potatoes and using a one-man crosscut to cut firewood. After taking the wood to town with a horse and buggy, he would sell a cord for $2.75. John also helped his father deliver "near beer" to Baldwin, Cadillac, and Reed City. Early in his marriage to Laura, he farmed and worked factory jobs so he could make ends meet. He would also buy run-down homes to fix up and sell. In 1948 John began working for General Motors, retiring in 1972. As a young person he accepted Christ into his life. John was a kind and compassionate man with a main goal in life to provide for his family. With a gift of story telling, he told many stories about his childhood and family. He would often tell his grandchildren fairytales in German. When John was six years old, he moved from Chicago to this area and had to learn English. The property where Snow Bible Church is located was donated by John. He is survived by his children, Leonard and Patricia Abuja of Sparta, Carol and Frank Roest of Comstock Park, and Laurel "Kay" and Jack Gravelyn of Pierson; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Mrs. Alice Abuja of Springdale, AK; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Laura, on May 17, 2002, parents, Agnes and Ben Abuja, and brothers, George and Bill. The Service for Mr. Abuja will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Cavanaugh officiating. Interment in Chase Baptist Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Snow Bible Church, 1877 18 Mile Road., NW, Kent City, MI. Friends may meet with Mr. Abuja's family from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com