John "Jack" Mutter

Houghton: John “Jack” Mutter, 76, formerly of Houghton, passed away on March 6, 2022 in Florida following a lingering illness.

He was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hancock on October 26, 1945. He attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school and later Houghton High School.

Jack was drafted into the military in 1965 and served in combat proudly with the 11th Armored Cavalry (the famed “Black Horse” regiment). When needed, he volunteered to serve as a “tunnel rat” to clear the tunnels of the Vietcong. He drew much praise from his commander and comrades.

After his service in 1967 he was hired at the General Motors Oldsmobile plant in Lansing, Michigan. He was active for many years in Big Brothers of Lansing.

After 33 years at GM, he retired to Florida and became a “snow bird” dividing his time between Englewood, Florida and Houghton, Michigan. He loved summers at Hancock Beach where he sometimes acted as a “caretaker” with the approval of the city. He was a “regular” daily---rarely missing a day. Sadly, he never got to see the new dock which he ardently hoped for. He was an excellent swimmer and a serious fisherman. He enjoyed his early morning breakfast with the McDonald's morning crew and his afternoon sessions with Cheri and his many friends at the B&B Bar.

He was honest, loyal, sincere, and caring. He was famous for his many jokes and his messages on his summer T-shirts. He loved animals, especially his two 4 legged “nephews”. Whenever his name “uncle Jackie” was mentioned they couldn't wait for his arrival—with treats as usual.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter J. Mutter and Anna (Boyle) Mutter. Surviving are his brother Walt and his sister-in-law Anne (Dilworth) Mutter, 5 cousins, and his neighbor and caregiver Florida friend, Jacklyn Stanley who became his chosen guardian. She and the staff at Heritage Oaks Assisted Living provided him with loving care during his residency.

He will be missed by his many friends in Houghton, Englewood, and Lansing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton with Rev. Father John Martignon to officiate. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock following the mass, with the Copper Country Veterans Association to offer military honors. Friends may call at the church from 10 A.M. until the 10:45 A.M. time of services on Thursday.

The O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com. 

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