John Michael Toth's Obituary
John Michael Toth
June 15, 1950 - October 13, 2013
A Life Well Lived
John, Dad, Mr. Toth, Bacca, Big Punch, JT Money, Uncle/Cousin/Brother Johnny: the many nicknames for the man who could make it happen. He excelled at most everything he did and was most proud of his family and career. John preferred the outdoors and greatly enjoyed hiking, camping and kayaking. He created amazing meals in the kitchen and would always make something "handed down from generations". Music was a part of his life from day one and he shared his love for music by directing church choirs, leading sing a longs, playing guitar and bass, and of course, zesty dancing. He and Judie loved to travel and in the last few years had some great explorations. A year ago a Mediterranean cruise and Italy exploration took them to places that were so important in his faith journey. Most fascinating was Ephesus, Turkey, but to visit Assisi and spend days in the place where St. Francis was so present was very special to him. You will notice that name and prayer of St. Francis shows up many times in his life. He especially loved organizing the family trips to Maui every other year.
Born June 15,1950 in Fredericktown, PA, John was one of nine children born to John and Anna Toth. The family tree is rooted in the coal mines of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Hard times, strong constitutions, steadfast faith, and many wonderful family memories happened in the Toth family. Sisters Patty Bujarski, Emily Gold, Deborah Boback, Selene Sowden and brothers George, Richard, Michael, Christopher all have fond memories from life "up on the hill." There are also important cousins, nieces and nephews and many in the extended PA family.
His faith life and love of learning was strong. He entered St. Mark's Seminary In Erie, PA - a high school to prepare young men for the priesthood. There he excelled and made many lifelong friends. After high school, he continued his education at Maryknoll college in Chicago and graduated from Marquette University. He later received his Master's degree in Theological Studies at St Francis De Sales Seminary in Milwaukee and a nursing degree in West Bend, Wisconsin. John spent time as a Capuchin (the order founded by St. Francis) novitiate in St. Felix Friary, Huntington, Indiana and St Francis of Assisi Parish in Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He left the novitiate and became youth minister at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in West Bend where he made many lifelong friends with both the students and parents of the parish. Several families "adopted" John and he had a weekly schedule for dinners and getting his laundry done. One day a friend pointed out an available young widow at Flicky's Charcoal Pit. John married Judie Riesen Barrett on June 16, 1979 and gained a son Jeff Barrett Toth in the process. Later, they welcomed daughter Katie Toth Rojas and son Kevin Toth.
After a move to Washington state in 1987, John held several jobs utilizing his many skills - Riverton Hospital and the Careunit, Highline Hospital, Northwest Physicians Network, King County Community Health ( now Healthpoint). He was able to form teams of creative talented people that enjoyed working with him and for him. His last job was at the Polyclinic in Seattle. His dedication was unmatched as he kept working as long was possible due to his illness.
We are so grateful for the care we received from NW Medical Specialties and Dr. Chaves, the amazing people at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and finally to finish the journey with the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Franciscan House Hospice in Tacoma.
In every church he attended, he was actively involved. In Milwaukee, West Bend and Tacoma he not only directed the gospel and folk choirs, he was always willing to help organize and participate with enthusiasm anywhere needed. In the last few years, John was drawn to a small church in the North End of Tacoma. He quickly became an integral part of the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. He became an elder and took on the Mission and Peacemaking Committee and brought many wonderful opportunities for people to actively live their faith. Habitat for Humanity locally and trips to Guatemala, Paint Tacoma Beautiful, Meals for the Homeless at Urban Grace, Sheltered Housing for Families in Need, 12 Days of Christmas to provide food for school children in need during the Christmas break, to name a few.
I think we as a family will be always remembering the fun antics and gentle wisdom imparted. He told me that of all of his accomplishments (and there were so many) he was proudest of being a husband, father, and grandfather.
We would like to celebrate all those many accomplishments on October 26, 2013 at 11:00, Mason United Methodist Church located at 2710 N.Madison St Tacoma, WA 98407.
We think it would be most appropriate to wear a Hawaiian shirt with flair hair optional.
Plan to arrive to the service early due to Proctor's Farmers Market being open at Proctor & 27th Street there will be limited parking. Streets to the west of the church might be a better area for parking. A reception will follow between 1:00-3:30PM at the New Elks Lodge room at the Allen More Golf Course and Events Center located at 2125 S. Cedar Street, Tacoma WA. 98405.
Donations would be welcomed at:
Franciscan House Hospice - Franciscan Foundation, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, Wa 98401
John Toth Mission fund has been established to support mission experiences to serve others.
Contributions can be made to Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 901 N J Street, Tacoma 98403. Or by Paypal on the IPC website..


Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com
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