We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Honorable John here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
I just learned of John's death from the latest Bar Journal. Every encounter I had with John was positive and a joyful experience. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. We have lost one of the good ones.
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William C. Buhl
December 23rd, 2021 at 8:08pm
I worked for John and Al way back (1973 - 77) when they first started practicing in Benton Harbor at 172 East Main and then we all moved to the new offices at the law and title building in St. Joseph. I was very young and new to the legal field and learned a great deal about law and people from the great bosses and wonderful co-workers at Butzbaugh, Page, Butzbaugh & Dewane. I can remember "Dit" Hatfield who was John's first legal assistant. John's love of the law and fairness I believe was the deciding factor in my becoming (and still am) a paralegal. John was a great man who will be missed by many. LIZ RETTIG
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Liz Rettig
October 29th, 2021 at 11:49am
I first met John through Judge Dave Peterson and Judge Jim Mackie. The three of them shared a love of the law and of all things maize and blue. Judge Dewane and I were in new Judges school together in 2008. I am a District Judge and I went to the section on handling Landlord Tenant Eviction cases and sat with Judge Dewane. When I ask him why as a Circuit Judge he was attending this session, he explained to me that in the Berrien County unified trial court system he was assigned to handle Auto Accident, Negligence, Medical Malpractice and other Civil litigation, including handling Landlord Tenant cases, which are normally handled in District Court. He humbly said to me "since my law practice experience was in those Circuit Court civil cases, I thought I better come and learn how to handle these eviction cases!" He was a truly warm, genuine and kind individual who never got an over inflated ego about himself, despite his brilliance and substantial accomplishments. The world needs a lot more John Dewanes. My sincere condolences to his wife Barrie and his family. Stewart McDonald, 65B District Court, Gratiot County MI
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Stewart McDonald
October 26th, 2021 at 4:26pm
John and I were fellow altar boys at St John's grade school in Menominee. In an urban legend to which I can testify with a failing memory, I heard a commotion in the classroom just below me. I ran to the window just in time to see John run out the school door and then sit in a puddle in protest to something or another. It was this passion that led him to the law. The loss felt by those left behind is strong, but rejoice, he is already home. Requiescat in Pace, dear Johnny.
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Mike McDonald
October 26th, 2021 at 4:25pm
Barrie and family, Barrie you may not remember me but I was a classmate, boyhood chum, and lifelong friend of John's. I always looked forward to seeing him, and you, at our class reunions. It was with great sadness when I heard of his passing. Please accept my sympathy and condolences. He will be surely and sorely missed. Dennis Cooney
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Dennis Cooney
October 26th, 2021 at 4:24pm
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Prayers to you and your family.
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Tina Hudzinski
October 26th, 2021 at 4:24pm
John was one of the brightest, most sincere people I have ever met. He set the highest of standards, and never flinched. As a friend, he was always there with a kind word, smile and amazing stories. Our friendship started 6 decades ago…what a blessing, indeed ! We had lots of adventures along those years…a few in Madison…and Ann Arbor. Plenty of great times everywhere…years of luncheons together, and tons of late night emails; usually football related ! John made a huge impact in my life. Not sure if I respected anyone more. My heart goes out to Barrie and the entire family. Let’s celebrate the life of someone that made a huge difference. With love…..
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Tony Canonie
October 26th, 2021 at 4:24pm
My condolences to you Mrs. Dewane, children & family. I had the privilege of knowing Judge Dewane while working at Berrien County. Judge Dewane was such a friendly and caring person, he would always keep his chambers clean for us cleaning his area. He had a heart of gold! I remember, for Christmas one year he treated his staff to the golf course for a meal. With his high ranking and by me only cleaning for him, I wouldn’t have ever expected a Judge to invite me as well. I was excited and honored that day and thankful that he generously considered me apart of the Judge Dewane Team and invited me! Of course I had bragging rights to our maintenance crew on how I was blessed by the Judge :) Judge Dewane also in 2009 in one of my hardest moments, after losing my son sent a card with a donation to me and my family. I remember not smiling for a long time, and for him to take out time and send a card and donation on that day I seen a card from him, I actually smiled! I still have the card to this day! I knew by his caring that the saying, “Once County Family, Always County Family” is forever. I am sadden to hear of his passing, and my heart goes out to you all. I will be praying for you all and just know that the work that Judge Dewane done for everyone speaks for him, he was a great and kind spirited person. He will be missed as well as remembered! Millie Nichols
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Millie Nichols
October 26th, 2021 at 4:23pm
Barrie, we are so sorry for your loss. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. John was such a wonderful guy. He was so kind to me as a new attorney and always such a genuine nice guy, very down to earth and very family oriented. You were clearly the center of his life as he would just light up and his eyes would sparkle at the mention of you. I didn't know John was in Corpus Christi for awhile. Small world. We have relocated to San Antonio, Texas where Matt is a Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist with the VA. See what a great influence you have had on your pre-K kids!! He has a wonderful family and a 9 yr old son, Logan, who provides me with oppportunities to relive memories of Matt's childhood. Both you and John have touched your communities in so many ways and made the world better just by being there. Thank you!! Peg Penninger Stanley
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Margaret Stanley
October 26th, 2021 at 4:23pm
The Vingelen family send our condolences to Barrie, Teresa and John.
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Linda Vingelen
October 26th, 2021 at 4:22pm
I had the honor and privilege of knowing and working for Judge Dewane. He was a true humanitariun, always trying to do his best for those less fortunate. He was a joy to work for, and kind to everyone. My condolences go out to his wonderful children and wife.
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Sue Bancroft
October 26th, 2021 at 4:20pm
I had the privilege to have John as a mentor early in my legal career. He was one of the sharpest legal minds I ever encountered in over 45 years of practice. Although I moved rom St Joseph, I never forgot the lessons I learned from John. I jpin others in mourning your loss.
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Stan White
October 26th, 2021 at 4:19pm
My condolences to John's loved ones and friends. I have known the Dewane family for many years and loved them all. They are very special. I will remember all of you in my prayers. Dawn Moberg
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Dawn Moberg
October 26th, 2021 at 4:19pm
Dear Barrie, Theresa and Johnny—It is with deepest sadness that I write of the loss of your husband/father. John was a friend of everyone even his strongest rivals (who usually lost). I was privileged to stand in his shadow as an occasional adversary in our early days (I usually lost), partner and bench mate. John will be missed by all who knew him and the Berrien County Bar has lost one of it’s best. I will always cherish the memories of our travel and many M road trips. He was one of the best friends one could have. Please accept my condolences and I am sorry I am out of town and unable to attend the visitation. Dave Peterson
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Dave Peterson
October 26th, 2021 at 4:18pm
John was a good man who truly walked his talk in service to his entire community. He had great and equal company in you, Barrie. Southwest Michigan is mourning. Love, PJ Canonie-Bubin
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PJ Canonie-Bubin
October 26th, 2021 at 4:18pm
Barrie, Theresa and John, We are so saddened to learn of John’s passing. A true giant in the Michigan legal community. Always concerned for the common people. He was respected by all who knew him. On a personal note, I will greatly miss his friendship, his cryptic emails going directly to the point, his compassion, care and concern. I am a better person for knowing John. The community is a better place because he was there. Our collective fond memories will carry us through. Condolences. Thinking of you all. Wish we could be there with you. Dan and Sharon Deja
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Dan and Sharon Deja
October 26th, 2021 at 4:17pm
