John Francis Doepker

God has called home a good and decent man.

John Doepker lived a journey of 90 years, two months, and one day.

John lived 83 of his years in Tallmadge and was an outstanding citizen in his community for all that time. He was a member of the amazing and close-knit class of 1953. The 1953 class met for breakfast once a month in Ohio and often in Florida. During his high school years, he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and track. He was a member of the Tallmadge Metro Champs in 1951 and 1952, and was named one of the Akron Beacon Journal "All Metro Players."

John was an outstanding student in so many areas and was presented with the Danforth Award and the first Manhood Award ever given to a Tallmadge student.

He was a union carpenter for twenty-five years. Many family members and friends benefited from his wood working skills. During the years he was working full-time and providing for a family of eight, he served his community in several ways. He was an elected official for 19 years. He was councilman, President of Council, and Mayor of Tallmadge. He also ran the score clock for the Tallmadge High School football and basketball games for almost 40 years.

He retired in 1996 from Summit County as Environmental Services Administrator. He then worked for the Carmen Construction Company in Tallmadge for several years and was treated as an adopted family member. He and his wife Linda spent the winter season for 29 years in Bradenton, Florida where he served on the homeowners Association in several leadership roles including President. The neighborhood friends met each day on John's patio for what they called "The Mayor's Court". The men solved world problems, told outstanding stories, laughed and plotted and enjoyed the magic of those hours together. They shared great and long-lasting friendships with those in their Florida family. Their neighbors in Tallmadge and Bradenton were close and loving friends who faithfully shared in the yard chores. A blessing that continues to this day.

John was always active in his church families, serving as Eucharistic Minister and often sharing his carpenter skills with Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. He and Linda have been members of The Community Church of Stow for several years where John served as Moderator. He cherished his church families with a grateful heart.

He has earned several awards during his long journey of service, but was sincerely thankful to be presented with The Lifetime Achievement Award from the city of Tallmadge.

John was an avid golfer for many years. He traveled with a group of Tallmadge friends to golf each spring in South Carolina and enjoyed every trip. He was a member of several leagues in Ohio and Florida. He had three holes-in-one; but thousands of hours on the greens practicing.

John was a great man of very humble beginnings who was incapable of saying or doing anything negative to anyone was legend. He never swore, drank, or smoked and enjoyed his handle of Saint John. His presence in the lives of family and friends will be a deeply felt sadness, but what joyous and loving feelings they have for being part of the journey with which God blessed John!

His wife Linda felt unfathomable love and devotion from John. He gallantly visited so many Bed & Breakfasts she found that he lost count of the total. He could create anything she designed from furniture to buildings.

Those whose hearts will yearn for his gift of support and affection are Greg, Rose, Cheryl, Scott, Karen (with God), Dan, Brian, Sarah, Emma, Matthew, Brittany and many other close relatives; special golfing friends and their weekly supper club, the awesome Florida family who gathered at John's welcoming home for New Year's Day dinner, Annual Reuben Night, shopping jaunts, and much laughter and glee; the club house performances and events that he was often the star at; the church friends who knew how to show the love of Jesus is so many supportive ways; and all those who will miss the big guy's warmth and encouragement.

We are so grateful for all the dedicated nurses and therapists that visited regularly and cared about his well-being.

John was for 90 years, two months, and one day a gift from the Heavens.

We have been truly blessed to cross paths with this good and decent man.

Interment has already taken place.

Remembrances and memorials for John may be made in his name to The Community Church of Stow, 1567 Pilgrim Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224

Stow Community Church
1567 Pilgrim Dr., Stow OH 44224