John Feistamel

John Feistamel will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his passion for drag racing, and his vintage car collection, but it will be his huge heart and his spirit of generosity that will be most dearly missed.

The thirties are a period in our nation’s history that is most often remembered by the extreme hardships suffered by countless Americans due to the Great Depression. Countless people were without jobs, without homes, and without hope for reprieve. It was amidst this dark time that there was great reason to celebrate in the family of John and Helen (Schadi) Feistamel, however, since it was on December 12th that they welcomed the birth of their son, John Stephen. Born in Paw Paw, Michigan, he was raised a little farther north in the town of Fremont and was the youngest of seven children in his family. His father worked as a farmer while his mother worked at Gerber Foods. John worked hard on his father’s farm south of town and also attended local schools, graduating from Fremont High School in 1954.

Not long after graduating, John enlisted in the Army and served as a radio operator in Germany for a time. It was around this same time that he met a young girl named Sara Jean Evans who would change the course of his life forever. They met at a gas station where John was working as an attendant. Just four months after their introduction, the couple married on November 10, 1956, at First Christian Church.

After enjoying a honeymoon up north, the couple returned to Fremont. It wasn’t long before the newlyweds were blessed with the birth of their son, Dave, in 1957. He was followed by Bob in 1958, Kelley in 1960, and Terri in 1963. John worked as a long haul trucker and as a result, was gone for most of the week. They remained in Fremont for seven years before moving to a home on Begole Road in Tallmadge Township. This would be where John would call home throughout the rest of his life. As he gained seniority at work, he was given more local runs and was able to be home more often. During the late eighties he retired after a back injury left him disabled, and it was during his retirement years that he really started to calm down.

Throughout his life, John was passionate about drag racing – anytime, anywhere – but only Mopar cars. The family often pulled the car to the strip and John met them at the track. John, Bob, and even Sara drove at times. John’s other great love was for his ham radio. His handle was WA8VNI, and he loved to talk.

Although work certainly took much of John’s time and he loved his interests, too, there was always room in his life for people. He was truly generous and willing to do anything for anyone. Those who knew John always appreciated that he could be counted on to help out whenever the opportunity arose.

John Feistamel was a kind and compassionate man who treasured his family, enjoyed his hobbies, and brightened the lives of those around him. He will be deeply missed.

John S. Feistamel died on December 6, 2010. John’s family includes his wife, Sara Jean; children, Bob (Marlene) Feistamel, Kelley Feistamel, and Terri (Dan) Jager; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Barb (Jack) Gillette; and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his son, Dave. A Memorial Service will be held at ….. on at Orchard Hills Church, 1465 3 Mile Rd NW. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Visiting Nurse Hospice.