John Orley Card

John Orley Card, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. 

John was born on March 18, 1940, in Battle Creek, Michigan to William and Maxine (Lord) Card.  He grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he graduated from Battle Creek Central High School.  He attended Kellogg Community College, General Motors Technical Institute, and General Motors Management Training. 

John spent most of his career as a Service Director for DeNooyer Chevrolet and DeMaagd Oldmobile GMC Nissan.  He spent four years in Professional Drag Racing as a co-owner of ‘That Special Feeling.’ John retired from DeMaagd in 1998 and shortly thereafter started spending winters in Naples, Florida where he enjoyed golfing, boating, and fishing.

John spent many years on his 45-foot yacht ‘Deck of Cards’ that was docked in Saugatuck, Michigan.  He and his wife Nancy traveled up and down Lake Michigan to many ports from Holland to Leelanau.  John loved motoring with his 1986 red Corvette, his Honda Gold Wing, and his Harley Davidson motorcycles. He traveled extensively throughout the US with his biking buddies.  He was a jack of all trades when it came to mechanical engineering, and no challenge was insurmountable.  John enjoyed golf as a member of the Marshall Country Club and Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida.

John was married to the love of his life, Nancy (Helber), for 46 years.  John is survived by Nancy and his children Richard (Amy) Card, Terry (Maxine) Card, Debra (Robert) Houston, Michael Williams, and Kimberly (Eric) Stumm.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother ‘Ted’ Card, and grandson Bryan Card.  John so dearly loved his nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  He also leaves behind numerous extended family and friends. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 4-6 pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068, and from 11 am-12 pm on Friday, May 26, 2023. A funeral service will be held directly following the visitation at 12 pm Friday, May 26, 2023 with Jim Codde officiating. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the funeral home.

The service will be livestreamed, and a playback video will be available for those who are unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Fountain Clinic, 111 N. Jefferson St., Ste 1, Marshall, MI  49068 or to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Ln, Naples, FL  34105.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.//kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.