John "Big John" T. Longanbach, Sr. Portland John passed away on October 9, 2008. He was born on April 9, 1932 in St. Louis, Michigan the son of Lois and Walter Longanbach. To start his long active life he served in the United States Army as leader of the 11th Infantry Regiment Squad Leader. After his honorable discharge, he entered the work force as an Operating Engineer and continued working hard for 35 years. After retiring, he continued to be a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324 for a total membership of 45 years. John kept himself busy in a variety of ways. Farming, hunting, fishing, card games, shuffleboard, bowling, golf, and making an occasional trip to the casino kept him living his life at the speed he preferred; somewhere around 80 miles an hour. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wesley and his wife of 50 years, Pearl. Surviving are his brothers Walter and Lewis Longanbach and one sister Ann Middaugh; one son, John Jr. (Teresa) Longanbach; daughters Terry Longanbach and Deborah (Charles) McCort; granddaughters Sara, Ashley, and Marlys Longanbach and Kristen McCort. While John enjoyed all the fruits of his labor, taking care of his family and friends were his top priority. He will be missed immensely by all those who were touched by this great man. The funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Marilyn V. Danielson at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 13, 2008 at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Ionia. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of John Longanbach, Sr..