John E. Enkemann

John E. Enkemann, of Gainesville, Georgia formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 9, 2024.

                Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan to the late Casper Milton and Gladys Caroline Enkemann, Jack grew up in Ann Arbor and was a lifelong Wolverine fan. He graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School and was a Staff Sergeant Infantry/Medic in the Korean War. His career started as a stock boy at S.S. Kresge, and he worked his way up through the corporation where he eventually retired in 1987 from K-Mart Apparel as a Merchandising Vice President in charge of Ladies Ready-to-Wear. Jack’s career at K-Mart made him a world traveler. He and Doris visited many places including Jerusalem, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Bangkok, Taiwan, Pakistan, and the Philippines. He even traveled back to Korea to hike the mountain he defended while in the Army.

                He met Doris Kapp in September of 1953 at a turtle soup dinner at her parent’s summer home. They played cribbage, started dating and were married on June 4, 1954. Their life together included multiple moves: Ann Arbor, Whitmore Lake, Adrian, Wyandotte, Ypsilanti, Detroit, Rochester, and West Bloomfield in the state of Michigan as well as Barberton and Dayton in Ohio, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Salem, South Carolina and finally Gainesville, Georgia.

                Jack used his wealth of knowledge and volunteered, often leading many of the committees he was asked to serve on. He served on the Lanier Village Estates Residents Association Board and was instrumental in developing the bylaws. He also chaired the committee to build Eternal Shepherd Lutheran Church in Seneca, SC and served as Board President of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gainesville, GA. He was a generous man, donating time to the Gainesville Free Medical Clinic, and funds to Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project and many others.

                Jack enjoyed skeet, trap and sporting clay shooting, as well as playing golf, bingo, cribbage, poker, euchre and bridge, Dewars on the rocks, his daily crossword puzzles and conversation with friends, strangers and staff. He was always swift with a joke, pointed with his observations, had high moral standards and was committed to his faith in God. He will be remembered for his easy going manner, friendly smile, quick wit, ability to make anyone feel welcomed and his socks. He was a gentle man who often provided guidance without judgment. His grace and dignity will be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to have met him.

                Jack was predeceased by Doris, his wife of 67 years, in 2022. He is survived by four children- John Jr. of Northville, Michigan, Steven (Jackie) of Greenville, South Carolina, Suzanne (Ray) Hughes of Pinehurst, North Carolina and Kathryn (Michael) Brancato of Hawthorne, New Jersey; five grandchildren- Kurt, Janell, Philip, Erinn and Stephanie and six great-grandchildren- Aubrey, Kai, Jordan, Jolene, Quinn and Cameron. In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his sister, Eileen.

                A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, beginning at 2:00 pm in the auditorium at Lanier Village Estates, 4000 Village View Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506.

                In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements

For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .