John Melvin LaFave

John M. LaFave, 70 of Gaylord, passed away Friday, September 11, 2026, at home.

John was born in Detroit and spent a happy childhood in Harper Woods. He was the middle child of six siblings and was raised by his loving parents, Mel and Laura. John was born legally blind and attended elementary school in Detroit and graduated from Harper Woods High School. John's vibrant personality gave him many lifelong friends. While in high school, he developed an avid interest in cooking. After high school he attended the Michigan Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, which further developed his interest in cooking and helped him develop other skills such as navigating his surroundings and woodworking.

Following a variety of work experiences, John moved to Gaylord on his own and after working in retail businesses, he bought and operated his own restaurant. About the same time he met his wife Lori, the love of his life and they married two years later. Together they enjoyed running Hot Rod Dogs Coney and Grill for a number of years. After closing the restaurant, Lori and John worked other retail businesses while enjoying friends and family, traveling and being involved in church and community activities. John also enjoyed woodworking and gardening and feeding Lori while she read. His humor, determination, intelligence and genuine caring will make him sorely missed by all of his many friends and family.

John is survived by his wife, Lori LaFave; siblings, Debra (Paul) Hamann of Clinton Township; Robert (Sue) LaFave of St. Clair Shores, Keith LaFave of Lakeport; nieces and nephews, Matt LaFave, Laura Holman, Aaron Rohrbeck, Monica Hamann, Robert LaFave Jr., and Andrea Shortt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Laura LaFave; and siblings, Chuck LaFave and Yvonne Rohrbeck.

Funeral services for John will take place at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM, with Pastor Greg Watling officiating. The family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of services.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center, 1541 Oakland Drive in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.