- Date Of Birth: October 30, 1923
- Date Of Death: October 11, 2018
- State: Michigan
John Frederick Mehlhope passed away October 11, 2018 in Royal Oak, Michigan. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 30, 1923, he was the son of John F. Mehlhope, Sr. and Elizabeth (nee Adams) Mehlhope. The family moved to Wilmett, Illinois, where young John grew up and graduated from New Tier High School. He went on to attend University of Oklahoma -Tulsa, School of Mining & Engineering, where he was drafted in his freshman year into the US Army, at age 19. He served in the Tank Destroyer Unit, rising in rank to Sergeant. He then applied, and was accepted into the US Army Air Corps Pilot Training Program, where he earned his Wings at the Rankin Academy. He expertly piloted Stearman aircraft and B-24 Bombers during WWII. After he was Honorably Discharged, he entered Geo. Washington University and achieved his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He came to Detroit and worked as an engineer for the M.P. Pump, Company, a manufacturer of marine pumps. John’s major interests were in aviation, skiing, sailing, traveling and history. He sailed in several Port Huron to Mackinaw races, and also in the Trans Pacific California to Hawaii races. Most especially, John was an avid reader. After marrying Mary Anne Demirjian, the happy couple traveled extensively. John leaves those exciting years to his loving wife and family as a memorable life, well lived.
