John Timko, age 93 of Monroe, MI, passed away peacefully Monday, September 23, 2024 at Brookdale Senior Living with his family at his side.
John was born on March 28, 1931 in Newton Falls, OH to John and Mary (Capova) Timko. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1949 and went to work for Consolidated Paper Company as an electrician. In 1952 he was drafted into the U.S. Army on January 21st. He honorably served his country during the Korean War until being discharged on October 21, 1953. He fought alongside the men of the 7th Infantry and Company L of the 31st Infantry for 9 months. Notably, his group fought for and gained control of Hill #255, famously known as Pork Chop Hill. For his patriotism, John was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, United Nations Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and 1 Overseas Service Bar.
John returned to Monroe after the war and resumed his employment at Consolidated Paper. On May 8, 1954, he married Dorothy M. Kipf at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together they raised 4 children. After 25 years at Consolidated, John then went to work for Chrysler at the Trenton Engine Plant for 15 years before retiring on July 31, 1990.
John was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church where he served as secretary for several years of the annual Catholic Service Appeal drive and Bingo volunteer. He was also a life member of Monroe VFW Post 1138.
John is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Timko; his four children, John (Alice) Timko, Nancy (Bruce) Freimark, Edward Timko, and Allen (Carin) Timko; daughter-in-law, Janet Timko; 6 grandchildren; Joel Freimark, John Timko, Alicia Reed, Jennifer Timko, Mitchell Timko, and Morgan Timko; 5 great-grandchildren: Ezra, Emmett, John, Isabelle, and Atlas.
John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joseph (Esther) Timko.
Family and friends may visit Thursday, Sept. 26th from 10 a.m. until time of funeral at 12:30 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home. Rev. Fr. Kishore Battu, pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church will officiate followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138 to honor their fallen comrade.
For anyone wanting to make a donation in memory of John, the family suggests supporting St. Michael Catholic Church or Beacon Hospice.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .