John Howard Hillegonds, age 80, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024. Born on February 13, 1944, at the old St. Joseph's Hospital in downtown Ann Arbor, John lived a full and fulfilling life defined by his passions, talents, and dedication to family and friends.

John was the son of Clarence and Helen (Roe) Hillegonds and grew up on Parker Road in Ann Arbor, alongside his siblings, Terry and Jean. His childhood was marked by adventure, as he wandered the countryside collecting arrowheads and "treasures" and enjoyed countless camping road trips in a camper lovingly crafted by his father.

A 1962 graduate of Pioneer High School, John attended Michigan State University, pursuing Landscape Architecture before following his true passion for carpentry. His career began at the very hospital where he was born, working as a carpenter. Later, John transitioned into the auto industry, serving as a proud WEMR (Welding Equipment Maintenance & Repair) technician for General Motors at the Willow Run Assembly Plant. Following the plant's closure in 1993, John joined Chrysler, where he gained expertise in robotics and became an instructor, earning the nickname "The Professor" among his students and colleagues. He was especially proud of earning his Bachelor's Degree from Concordia College in 1993, a milestone he cherished deeply.

John retired from Chrysler in 2004 but never stopped working with his hands. He continued carpentry as a self-employed contractor, tackling projects for friends and family, and worked part-time at Schmidt’s Antiques in Ypsilanti, restoring furniture and clocks for auction.

A devoted husband, John married Shirley Ritter on September 19, 1964, after converting to Lutheranism. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and shared interests. Their children, Mark (born in 1965) and Carol (born in 1968), brought immeasurable joy to his life. He and Shirley were among the founding members of St. Luke Lutheran Church, where they remained active members.

John’s love for cycling was one of his defining passions. He began seriously cycling in the early 1980s, joining the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society (AABTS) with his son, Mark. In true Hillegonds fashion, their first group ride was a grueling 100-mile "century" ride, a challenge they eagerly embraced. John participated in numerous centuries over the years, relishing the camaraderie of fellow riders and the joy of long days on the open road. His dedication to the sport was amazing, and even when his health began to decline, cycling remained an integral part of his life. Even during winters in Florida, he rode regularly with a group of fellow enthusiasts from his RV park. Whether tackling the rolling hills of Michigan or pedaling under the Florida sun, John found freedom and fulfillment on two wheels.

John's hobbies were as diverse as his talents. An avid camper, he made treasured memories with his family at Mammoth Caves in Kentucky and Shady Pines in Ontario. A model train enthusiast, John built intricate layouts, with his final masterpiece taking up much of his basement. In Florida, where he and Shirley wintered for two decades, he enjoyed shuffleboard, harmonica jams, and volunteering in the kitchen at his RV park clubhouse.

John leaves behind his loving wife, Shirley Hillegonds; his children, Mark Hillegonds and Carol (Jim) Masterson; his grandchildren, Sean Miller, Colleen (Matt) Hoover, Julia (Gaz) Buck, Sara (Jake) Offerman, Elizabeth Masterson, and Luke Masterson; and his brother, Terry Hillegonds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Helen Hillegonds; his sister, Jean Hillegonds; and his sister-in-law, Judy Hillegonds.