John C. Kirby

John Carlton Kirby, age 84, of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away on September 17, 2025, at Munson Otsego Memorial Hospital.

John was born on November 22, 1940, in Boyne City, Michigan, to John and Donna (Green) Kirby. He grew up on West Street in Boyne City alongside his five siblings: Trudy Welsh (Joe), David, Becky Griffin (Mike), Ken, and Bill.

After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, he returned home and married Maryjane (Zynewicz) in 1961. Together they had three children: Tim, Kelly, and Stan.

John and Maryjane's shared love of music led them to open ABC Music, with locations in Petoskey, Gaylord, and Cheboygan. They spent many years teaching and sharing the joy of music with the community. John was also a talented musician himself, and together he and Maryjane founded The Red Hearts, a popular polka band that played for weddings and events for over 25 years. Their dedication to the band was immense, as they only took five Saturdays off in all that time.

In the late 1980s, John and Maryjane built a home in Boyne Falls and became active members of St. Augustine's Catholic Church, where they served in the choir for over two decades. In 1994, they opened another music store in Gaylord, The Musik Haus, continuing their legacy of bringing music to generations of people.

John's passion for life extended to their beautiful gardens, which were always a sight to behold, filled with flowers, vegetables, and fruit. He and Maryjane cherished teaching their grandchildren, Emma and David, about gardening, sharing lessons and laughter as they harvested together.

Maryjane passed away in 2023. In 2024, John was blessed to meet and marry Sally (Ranger). They enjoyed traveling in Michigan, discovering new restaurants, meeting each other's friends, and their church life.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; his children, Tim, Kelly, and Stan (Tricia); and his grandchildren, Emma and David.

Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Boyne Falls, followed by interment at St. Augustine Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church.

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