John H. Lignell

John Hayden Lignell, 88 of Charlevoix died peacefully in his home surrounded by his children on Friday, November 18^th. 

Dr. Lignell served the Charlevoix community for 50 years as a Family Physician at Charlevoix Area Hospital from 1963- 2013.  He had a gift for healing and patient relationships that spanned generations.  John was very active outside of work as well, serving as a founding member of the Lions Club, sharing his love for music participating in multiple choirs, barbershop quartets, and musicals. He loved playing the piano. Dr. Lignell was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church.  He was born May 25^th, 1934 in Detroit, Mi. John graduated from Albion College in Pre-Medicine in 1955 and The University of Michigan Medical school in 1959.  He served in the Air Force from 1960-1962 in Glasgow, Montana before returning to Michigan and moving to Charlevoix for his life and career. He also enjoyed snowmobiling (making some house calls and getting to work when the roads were snow covered), skiing, playing tennis and traveling.  John had a passion for family and for music.  He was a lifelong University of Michigan football fan and Detroit Tigers & Lions fan. His motto was ‘have fun or don’t!’

He is preceded in death by parents Dr Rudolph and Helen Lignell, and Brother Tom Lignell, stepdaughter Julie Brewster.

Survivors include his 4 children Dr. Mark (Wendy) Lignell of Rome, Ga, Kristen (Tom) Lane of Alpine Meadows, Ca, Kathy (Bob) Wade of Atlanta, Ga and Matt (Nora) Lignell of Grand Rapids, and stepdaughter Jackie Brewster of Grand Rapids.  John had 10 beloved grandchildren, Brock Lignell, Link Lignell, twins Nina and Stellan Lane, Kalin Green, Brett Wade, Anna Wade, Kathryn, Carolyn and Clare Lignell. He is also survived by his longtime companion Fay VanLoo and his sister Marilyn Stromberg and brother Jim Lignell.  He was beloved by an extended family of nieces and nephews.

Service will be at 11 AM on Saturday at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlevoix with a luncheon to follow at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Charlevoix Lions Club.

There will be a formal Celebration of Life in the spring of 2023.