Michigan’s Great Southwest has lost another captain of industry, following the weekend death of John Fetters who owned and operated one of the largest laundry, dry-cleaning and men’s formalwear businesses in the entire region. He was 92. Fetters, of St. Joseph, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at Spectrum Health Lakeland – St. Joseph surrounded by his loving family.
John served the community well beyond the dry-cleaning empire that he operated first with his father and brother and later with his brother and his son and daughter in law. He had a strong influence on the very fabric of the region through his roles with such organizations as The St. Joseph Improvement Association, the Downtown Development Authority and the St. Joseph Planning Commission. His firm, but low-key, hand at the helm helped guide many decisions that dramatically improved the quality of life in the region.
John was also a giant within his own industry, rising to the highest echelons of power on multiple fronts, representing Southwest Michigan nationwide with pride. By way of example, he served as President of the Michigan Institute of Dry Cleaning, President of the M.I.L.D. Workmen’s Compensation Fund, Director of the National Institute of Dry Cleaning and The President of the International Fabricare Institute. He was also a proud member of the Bureau of Laundry & Dry Cleaning Standards, and Midwest Cost Bureau. He was held in high esteem throughout his chosen industry.
John was born on March 30, 1927, in Benton Harbor, to Clyde & Edith (Williams) Fetters. In 1945, John graduated from Benton Harbor High School, and shortly after graduation he proudly served America by enlisting in the United States Navy.
After returning home, John enrolled at DePauw University where he became a brother in the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and graduated with distinction in 1950 with a degree in Economics. While attending a college reunion, John met the love of his life, Marilyn Holtman, and on April 14, 1956, the two were married in Indianapolis.
After college John returned home and joined his father and brother, Gene, in their family dry cleaning and men’s formalwear rental business, Sanitary Cleaners. Together with his brother, John and Gene expanded the family business to five stores in Northern Indiana and Michigan, along with ten dry cleaning branches and five routes in Southwestern Michigan.
In 1976, John became a Director of Fifth Third Bank, formerly known as Peoples State Bank. He held that position for 26 years, retiring at age 75. John was also a former member of the Benton Harbor Congregational Church and was active in the St. Joseph First Congregational Church.
John enjoyed traveling, specifically to Venice, Italy, and spending the winters in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida. He loved to play golf, and was a lifetime member of Berrien Hills Country Club in St. Joseph, before it was sold, as well as a member at The Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club in Benton Harbor.
John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marilyn; sons, John David (Coleman) Fetters of Mineral Point, WI and Jeffery (Claire) Fetters of St. Joseph; and grandsons, Zachary (Sita) Fetters and Ryan (girlfriend, Brytanie Killebrew) Fetters. John was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde & Edith; and brother, Gene (Mildred) Fetters.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11AM this Friday, May 10, 2019 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor David Stout officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, May 9, 2019 from 5 PM until 7 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Southwest Michigan or St. Joseph First Congregational Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
