John F. Abitz's Obituary
John Frederick Abitz, 78, of Fort Myers FL, passed away on August 3, 2025. Born on February 19, 1947, in Milwaukee, WI, John was the only child of Fred and Lydia Abitz. He attended Wauwatosa High School, played French horn and piano, and participated in the Boy Scouts and youth group at Bethany Baptist. In 1969, he earned his Bachelor of Music Education with an organ major at the Music Conservatory at Wheaton College (IL). Through Wheaton’s ROTC program he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and served for two and a half years of which the last two were in Germany where he received an honorable discharge as a captain.
John had an epic sense of humor. When asked how he was doing, John would often quip, “I checked the obituaries and didn’t see my name, so I’m doing great!” This could explain why he was once awarded Davison Optimist Club’s Optimist of the Year Award. John was a pioneer in junior high choral music through the 1970’s, bringing avant-garde and sacred genres to the forefront of music competitions, inspiring generation of music lovers through his teaching in Davison, Michigan and given the Teacher of the Year Award. He was an active member of the Davison Missionary Church, teaching Sunday school, leading Sunday school rallies, and serving as choral director there for many years. He attended Central Church of the Nazarene and also directed the choir at Calvary Presbyterian Church for a few years. Since moving to Florida he has attended The Village Church at Shell Point.
John was an expert memory maker and documentarian of life. As Director of Communications, Advertising and Incentives for Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company in Flint, MI, he created unforgettable incentive trips, designed innovative publications, and helped reinvent the company’s brand. Upon retirement in 2011, John continued pursuing his lifelong interests including family, reading, photography, collecting coins, autographs, and watches, and savoring gastronomic delights. True to his Wisconsin roots, he was an ice cream and frozen custard connoisseur. Through the love of his dogs, Mimi and Betty Ann, John became a founding donor to Animal Saints Rescue Society, a nonprofit started by his son and daughter-in-law.
John is survived by his wife, Susan (Leet) Abitz, his two children, Joshua Ivey Abitz (Cynthia) and Karen Jesina (Ken), and his grandchildren, Lydia, Anabel and Ian Heinig.
A memorial service will be held at The Village Church Chapel, at Shell Point on Friday, August 22nd at 11:00am with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Davison Missionary Church (https://www.davisonmc.org/give), The Village Church at Shell Paint (https://www.villagechurchshellpoint.org), or Animal Saints Rescue Society (https://animalsaints.org/donate).
Arrangements are being handled by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.
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