Celebrating the life of
John Walter Bach
July 12, 1964 - March 18, 2015
Devoted and loving husband, and father, an adoring grandfather, as well as son, brother, coach, and true friend
On Wednesday, March 18, 2015, John Walter Bach departed from this life after a six month battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully at Savannah Hospice, surrounded by loved ones, and with a smile on his face. John was born on July 12, 1964 in Elgin, Illinois to John and Beverly Bach as the youngest of four children. He graduated from Irving Crown High School in 1982 and received his B.S. in Education from the University of Northern Illinois in 1986.
On February 7, 1987, John married the love of his life, Margie Michalak. They had two daughters together, Lauren Illyse and Rachael Marjorie. In 1987, John also began his career at Follett School Solutions, starting out as a book picker in the warehouse and working his way through customer service into management and then to a position as a sales representative. He was named Regional Director of Sales for the southeast in 2013. An avid Volleyball player and coach, John was active in establishing the Sky High Volleyball Club with Scott and Sherry Harris in Crystal Lake, Illinois, leading the club to their first national qualifier.
In 1997, John and Margie relocated their family to Savannah, Georgia. From 1998 to 2011, John volunteered as a volleyball coach at St. Vincent's Academy, building the top program in the area. In 2003, he coached his daughter, Lauren, and the rest of the Saints in their victory as the AAAAA Georgia Volleyball State Champions. John was a successful man in every sense of the word, respected and beloved by all who knew him. He leaves behind a 50-year legacy as a devoted and loving husband and father, an adoring grandfather, as well as son, brother, coach, and true friend.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Louis, and survived by his wife, Margie; daughter, Lauren Peebles (husband Bryan); daughter, Rachael Bach (fiancé Michael Livings); mother, Beverly Bach; sister, Mary Murren (husband Rich); sister, Barbara Krasemann (husband Stephen); brother, Kenneth Bach (wife Elida); and grandson, Theodore Michael Peebles.
The family will have a private ceremony to lay John to rest. They encourage you to remember and celebrate John's life in your own way.
St. Vincent's Academy will hold a Celebration of Life for John Bach on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. in the SVA gym in Savannah, Georgia. Please email dawn.obom@svaga.net if you plan on attending so we can make sure we have enough seats for everyone. This is open to anyone who knew John and would like to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, please support the John Bach Cancer Fund at http://gfwd.at/aDXiBOa
Dear Margie, Lauren, and Rachael, I am so sorry to learn of the death of John. My thoughts and prayers are with you . Sincerely, Beth Saraf
- Beth Saraf, Savannah, GA
I just heard about John this morning. He was my Follett rep when I was at Bryan Co. Middle School and then later at Richmond Hill High School. I am so happy to have gotten to know him, and I am also so sorry for your loss. John always loved talking about his family when he visited; it was obvious that you all were the most important thing in the world to him. Though I have never had the chance to meet you, I feel like I know you a little because of John. He was such a fun, lighthearted, and genuine individual. I was always so happy to see him, and I imagine that most people he encountered felt the same way. He will be missed by so many people in the library community. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Annie Kiene, Pooler, GA
Rachael: My thougts and prayers are with you and your family. The loss of a loved one is the hardest to bare. I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet your dad, but by the looks of his smile I'm sure I would have liked him. I know your heart is breaking, but just remember he will be with you always.
- Gerry Helmly, Savannah, GA
Dear Margie and Family & Friends of John Bach: I hold you in my thoughts as tight as I wish I could hold you in my arms and comfort you. While you go through this difficult time, know that in each moment many others are thinking of and praying for you with sincere, sweet conviction.
- Rachael Dain, Columbia, SC
Very rarely does someone affect your life in such a significant way that their memories will continue to touch you even when they are gone. John was my best friend of my youth. Through thick and thin, the neighborhood gang, “what a country” camping, church activates, high school, college, best man at each other’s weddings, and everything in between. I believe the experiences of your youth help create the foundation of your life. John helped me along the way and I hope I helped him. Growing up alongside each other, we each met the love of our lives, married them and created wonderful families. We moved far apart but when we would reconnect it was as easy as if were never apart. John’s sense of humor and positive nature made him the man that we all loved. Life is not measured by the number of breathes one takes, but the number of moments that take your breath away. I am deeply saddened and truly blessed by the moments we shared. God bless him and keep him
- Jim Lorenz and Family, Wayne, IL
Very rarely does someone affect your life in such a significant way that their memories will continue to touch you even when they are gone. John was my best friend of my youth. Through thick and thin, the neighborhood gang, “what a country” camping, church activates, high school, college, best man at each other’s weddings, and everything in between. I believe the experiences of your youth help create the foundation of your life. John helped me along the way and I hope I helped him. Growing up alongside each other, we each met the love of our lives, married them and created wonderful families. We moved far apart but when we would reconnect it was as easy as if were never apart. John’s sense of humor and positive nature made him the man that we all loved. Life is not measured by the number of breathes one takes, but the number of moments that take your breath away. I am deeply saddened and truly blessed by the moments we shared. God bless him and keep him
- Jim Lorenz and Family, Wayne, IL
My condolences to the Bach Family. I met John shortly after took the position in Savannah and enjoyed working with him over the years. He would visit me periodically through the school year and we would catch each other up on “news”. John was always so proud of his girls and loved sharing stories about what they were doing. He was a genuine and friendly guy and I will sincerely miss him.
- Shila Cantele, Richmond Hill, GA
My condolences to the Bach Family. I met John shortly after took the position in Savannah and enjoyed working with him over the years. He would visit me periodically through the school year and we would catch each other up on “news”. John was always so proud of his girls and loved sharing stories about what they were doing. He was a genuine and friendly guy and I will sincerely miss him.
- Shila Cantele, Richmond Hill, GA
Margie, I am deeply saddened by this finish to the terrible ordeal that John, you, and your family have endured. I am lightened by the obituary, "He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones, and with a smile on his face".
- Don Jones, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a sweet, kind man. He was always so helpful to me when he made his "round" to Charleston. I will miss seeing him and that ever present smile.
- Jan Dandridge, Summerville, South Carolina
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband 13+ years ago suddenly from a heart attack. It is a difficult time to see those we love taken from us. Truly death is as stated at 1Cor 15:26..an enemy. I received great comfort from knowing why we die Rom 5:12, what the condition of the dead is Ecc 9:5, what hope there is Acts 24:15. I also look forward to the time soon when God will wipe away all tears, sorrow and death Rev 21:3,4. May these words from scripture and the love and support from family and friends be of comfort to you now.
- Linda, Rockford, Il
John will truly be missed. He had such an affectionate smile. Over the years when he would visit our media center at Pulaski, he always was professional and knew everything about our system :) My prayers go out to the family. Remember the good memories and know now that he is in a place where there is no more pain or sickness.
- Brenda Andrews, Savannah, GA
It is so sad to know that a wonderful person like John Bach is no longer with us in body. He will always be with me in spirit, because of his warm and loving nature. I know him only professionally, but he is the type of person that one can never forget. I thank God for allowing us to have one of his angels here on earth. He was indeed a wonderful person.
- Sandra Jackson, Savannah, Ga
Margie, Lauren and Rachael, we are so sad and sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet husband and wonderful father. Happy to hear that he was able to be Theodore's Grandfather. Our love and prayers are with you. Nancy, Doug, Katie and Drew
- Hanzel Family, Savannah, GA
To: The Bach Family. I am sorry for your lost.At Isaiah 33:24 And no resident will say "I am sick." It was not our God's purpose for mankind to get sick and die. He has made provisions to remove suffering and death from us. Our love ones will come to life; (John 11:25) Our God has promised us and His words will come true.- Psalms 37:29 The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live on it forever.
- R.Gaines, Warrensville Heights, Ohio
Margie/Lauren/Rachel - a few months ago I heard of John's cancer and have been including him in my prayers almost everyday. I know you are all grieving now but I know he will continue to live on through the many lives he touched including mine. God used him to touch so many lives outside of his family in such a great way. I know one day we will all be able to join together again in God's kingdom and rejoice together.
- Mike Lance and Family, Savannah, Ga
Dear Margie, Lauren, and Rachael, I am so sorry to learn of the death of John. My thoughts and prayers are with you . Sincerely, Beth Saraf
- Beth Saraf, Savannah, GA
I just heard about John this morning. He was my Follett rep when I was at Bryan Co. Middle School and then later at Richmond Hill High School. I am so happy to have gotten to know him, and I am also so sorry for your loss. John always loved talking about his family when he visited; it was obvious that you all were the most important thing in the world to him. Though I have never had the chance to meet you, I feel like I know you a little because of John. He was such a fun, lighthearted, and genuine individual. I was always so happy to see him, and I imagine that most people he encountered felt the same way. He will be missed by so many people in the library community. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Annie Kiene, Pooler, GA
Rachael: My thougts and prayers are with you and your family. The loss of a loved one is the hardest to bare. I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet your dad, but by the looks of his smile I'm sure I would have liked him. I know your heart is breaking, but just remember he will be with you always.
- Gerry Helmly, Savannah, GA
Dear Margie and Family & Friends of John Bach: I hold you in my thoughts as tight as I wish I could hold you in my arms and comfort you. While you go through this difficult time, know that in each moment many others are thinking of and praying for you with sincere, sweet conviction.
- Rachael Dain, Columbia, SC
Very rarely does someone affect your life in such a significant way that their memories will continue to touch you even when they are gone. John was my best friend of my youth. Through thick and thin, the neighborhood gang, “what a country” camping, church activates, high school, college, best man at each other’s weddings, and everything in between. I believe the experiences of your youth help create the foundation of your life. John helped me along the way and I hope I helped him. Growing up alongside each other, we each met the love of our lives, married them and created wonderful families. We moved far apart but when we would reconnect it was as easy as if were never apart. John’s sense of humor and positive nature made him the man that we all loved. Life is not measured by the number of breathes one takes, but the number of moments that take your breath away. I am deeply saddened and truly blessed by the moments we shared. God bless him and keep him
- Jim Lorenz and Family, Wayne, IL
Very rarely does someone affect your life in such a significant way that their memories will continue to touch you even when they are gone. John was my best friend of my youth. Through thick and thin, the neighborhood gang, “what a country” camping, church activates, high school, college, best man at each other’s weddings, and everything in between. I believe the experiences of your youth help create the foundation of your life. John helped me along the way and I hope I helped him. Growing up alongside each other, we each met the love of our lives, married them and created wonderful families. We moved far apart but when we would reconnect it was as easy as if were never apart. John’s sense of humor and positive nature made him the man that we all loved. Life is not measured by the number of breathes one takes, but the number of moments that take your breath away. I am deeply saddened and truly blessed by the moments we shared. God bless him and keep him
- Jim Lorenz and Family, Wayne, IL
My condolences to the Bach Family. I met John shortly after took the position in Savannah and enjoyed working with him over the years. He would visit me periodically through the school year and we would catch each other up on “news”. John was always so proud of his girls and loved sharing stories about what they were doing. He was a genuine and friendly guy and I will sincerely miss him.
- Shila Cantele, Richmond Hill, GA
My condolences to the Bach Family. I met John shortly after took the position in Savannah and enjoyed working with him over the years. He would visit me periodically through the school year and we would catch each other up on “news”. John was always so proud of his girls and loved sharing stories about what they were doing. He was a genuine and friendly guy and I will sincerely miss him.
- Shila Cantele, Richmond Hill, GA
Margie, I am deeply saddened by this finish to the terrible ordeal that John, you, and your family have endured. I am lightened by the obituary, "He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones, and with a smile on his face".
- Don Jones, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a sweet, kind man. He was always so helpful to me when he made his "round" to Charleston. I will miss seeing him and that ever present smile.
- Jan Dandridge, Summerville, South Carolina
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband 13+ years ago suddenly from a heart attack. It is a difficult time to see those we love taken from us. Truly death is as stated at 1Cor 15:26..an enemy. I received great comfort from knowing why we die Rom 5:12, what the condition of the dead is Ecc 9:5, what hope there is Acts 24:15. I also look forward to the time soon when God will wipe away all tears, sorrow and death Rev 21:3,4. May these words from scripture and the love and support from family and friends be of comfort to you now.
- Linda, Rockford, Il
John will truly be missed. He had such an affectionate smile. Over the years when he would visit our media center at Pulaski, he always was professional and knew everything about our system :) My prayers go out to the family. Remember the good memories and know now that he is in a place where there is no more pain or sickness.
- Brenda Andrews, Savannah, GA
It is so sad to know that a wonderful person like John Bach is no longer with us in body. He will always be with me in spirit, because of his warm and loving nature. I know him only professionally, but he is the type of person that one can never forget. I thank God for allowing us to have one of his angels here on earth. He was indeed a wonderful person.
- Sandra Jackson, Savannah, Ga
Margie, Lauren and Rachael, we are so sad and sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet husband and wonderful father. Happy to hear that he was able to be Theodore's Grandfather. Our love and prayers are with you. Nancy, Doug, Katie and Drew
- Hanzel Family, Savannah, GA
To: The Bach Family. I am sorry for your lost.At Isaiah 33:24 And no resident will say "I am sick." It was not our God's purpose for mankind to get sick and die. He has made provisions to remove suffering and death from us. Our love ones will come to life; (John 11:25) Our God has promised us and His words will come true.- Psalms 37:29 The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live on it forever.
- R.Gaines, Warrensville Heights, Ohio
Margie/Lauren/Rachel - a few months ago I heard of John's cancer and have been including him in my prayers almost everyday. I know you are all grieving now but I know he will continue to live on through the many lives he touched including mine. God used him to touch so many lives outside of his family in such a great way. I know one day we will all be able to join together again in God's kingdom and rejoice together.
- Mike Lance and Family, Savannah, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
