John Ralph Webber, age 95 of Novi, Michigan, passed away on July 28, 2024. He was born in Detroit in 1929 to John and Emma Webber, and was the oldest of three siblings, younger siblings Robert Webber and Carol Lauterbach.

John attended Redford High School, Wayne State University (Bachelor of Science in Education), and University of Michigan (Master’s in Counseling). While at Wayne State, John and his friends founded the fraternity Tara, and established lifelong friendships. He married his high school sweetheart Virginia “Ginny” in 1952, and they had a wonderful 58-year marriage until Ginny’s passing in 2010. John served two years stateside in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. John began his lifelong career in education, first as an elementary and middle school teacher and coach, followed by counseling positions at Bentley High and Franklin High in Livonia. In 1965, he became the Dean of Counseling at Schoolcraft Community College, where he headed up a national organization for college counseling. John was extremely proud of the strides he made to assist women ages 30-50 during the 1970’s with the development of human potential seminars, which focused on personal development. In 1958, he became a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills.

John was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling with his wife Virginia after retirement. In 1979, they purchased a lake house on the shores of Mullett Lake in northern Michigan, where he spent a majority of his summers and has become a family retreat. John was also a passionate Detroit Tigers and MSU sports fan, which included many tailgates with family. Also known as “Jack” by many, John was kindhearted, thoughtful, and well-loved by family and many friends.

John was the loving father of daughter Julie Smith (Corey) and son Jim Webber (Gloria), beloved grandfather of four grandsons, Ryan Smith (Abby), Michael Webber (Michelle), John Webber, and Scott Smith (Nicole), as well as seven great grandchildren.  

There will be a celebration of his life at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1st, with visitation between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Following the service, the family invites all to a luncheon at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Mullett Lake Area Preservation Society (MAPS).