John Henry Kochans Sr., age 72 of Hesperia passed away on November 6, 2020 after fighting a brief illness and woke up in the faithful arms of his savior, Jesus Christ. John was born on December 17, 1947 in Romulus, Michigan to Elmer and Mary (Ott) Kochans. In 1968, John moved to Fremont, Michigan; where, after serving in the U.S. Army, he and his first wife Judy raised a beautiful family. He loved coaching his kids' little league teams, an experience that was the beginning of a long life of service to his community. John found his professional calling as an automotive mechanic, which was his career for over 40 years, eventually retiring as the Shop Foreman from Deur Speet Motors. He spent many years teaching auto mechanics at the Newaygo County Vocational school and mentoring young mechanics. In 1997, John married Carol Godfrey and they made their home together in Hesperia, Michigan. John and Carol had a love-filled and devoted marriage, evident to all who knew them. John's faith was the cornerstone of his life and he was a man of integrity and character. He was genuine, kind and fully accepted and embraced those around him. He was a member of the Holton United Methodist Church, where he served as a lector, sang in the choir, performed as a soloist and was a faithful attendee of the men's bible study. He never turned down an opportunity to serve with his church family. John had a passion for archery and spent years teaching archery to youth. That experience eventually brought him to the Newaygo County Hunter Safety Program, where he volunteered for 30 years, eventually leading the program for the county. John cherished being a grandfather and loved spending quality time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He taught them the art of building, camping, hunting and fishing. He spent many hours teaching the children to ride bikes, snoozing in deer blinds and untangling fishing line. He was always patient and thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with his family. His family marveled at how he could build or fix anything. John treasured the Christmas holiday and the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Each year, the festivities began with the family Christmas tree hunt where all the kids and grandkids helped Grandpa and Grandma find the biggest and most ostentatious Christmas tree. John loved decking out their home with a major Christmas light display (of course it was set to music), and in recent years, John and Carol would dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and spend time spreading cheer in the community. The Christmas season always ended with quality time with family—remembering the true reason for the season. John will be dearly missed by his bride of 24 years, Carol Kochans; children, Lisa (Larry) VanKampen, John Kochans Jr. (Vickie), Stephanie (Jeff) Busch, David (Mary) Godfrey, Amanda (Roy) Garza; 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Judy Norfleet, Jill Roberts, James Kochans, Elmer Kochans, Betty Moctezuma, Rose Lavigne, Clarann Wilson and Tim Roberts. He was proceeded in death by his sisters, Roberta Vozar, Leola Wheeler and Elaine Williamson; and brother, Dennis Roberts. He loved and was loved in return by so many other family members and friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holton United Methodist Church 9530 Holton-Duck Lake Road, Holton MI 49425 with a visitation preceding the services from 5pm – 7pm at the church. Memorial contributions in John's memory can be made to the Holton United Methodist Church. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Kochans family online at www.crandellfh.co​m. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.​ 231-924-0800. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John Henry Kochans Sr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Visitation Holton United Methodist Church Thursday, July 15, 2021 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 9530 Holton-Duck Lake Road Holton, MI 49425 Memorial Service Holton United Methodist Church Thursday, July 15, 2021 7:00 PM 9530 Holton-Duck Lake Road Holton, MI 49425