

Born on January 24, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, Jan was proud to call Mid-Michigan home throughout his life. He built a lifetime of memories with family and friends and was especially devoted to those he loved most.
Jan dedicated much of his career to skilled trades, working as a respected Tool and Die Maker. Later, he found his favorite job as a delivery driver for Airborne Express, where he enjoyed being out on the road and connecting with people. Afterward, he worked alongside his son, Jan Kenneth, remodeling residential homes, taking pride in craftsmanship and a job well done.
Above all else, Jan cherished his family and the simple pleasures of life. He had a lifelong love of dogs and birds, always enjoying the companionship of faithful pets and the sight and songs of birds visiting the yard.
He found joy in listening to music, watching hockey—especially cheering on the Detroit Red Wings and Michigan State University teams—fishing, gardening, reading, photography, trains, playing cards, and fixing just about anything that needed repair. Family and friends also knew him as the person to have on their trivia team; his remarkable memory and wealth of knowledge rarely failed him.
Jan had a well-known sweet tooth. His favorite desserts were lemon meringue pie and blueberry pie, but he was perhaps best known for the homemade cream puffs he lovingly prepared during the holidays. Those treats became a cherished family tradition that everyone looked forward to each year.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Hubert Sabin ("Hub"); his mother, Betty Jean Clawson-Sabin; and his brother, James H. Sabin ("Gopher").
Jan is survived by his beloved sons, Jan Kenneth Sabin and his wife, Rebecca, and Jesse Hiram Sabin and his wife, Laura. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Samantha Erin Sabin, Katie Isabelle Sabin ("Tee"), Kennedy Rose Sabin, and Elliot Grace Sabin, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
He is also survived by his sister, Jo Anne (Sabin) Ringwelski, and his brother Edward Frederick Sabin.
Those who knew Jan will remember his kind heart, quiet wit, willingness to lend a helping hand, and his ability to fix almost anything. Though dementia gradually took much from him, it never diminished the love he shared with his family or the lasting memories they will forever treasure.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and medical professionals who provided compassionate care during his illness.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at DeepDale Memorial Gardens, 4108 Old Lansing Road, Lansing, Michigan 48917.
Family and friends are invited to gather for lunch following the service at 11:30 a.m. at Tony M's Restaurant, 3420 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, Michigan 48917.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jan's honor to Nottingham Nature Nook, East Lansing, Michigan, to support the care of wildlife and the appreciation of nature—something Jan would have deeply valued. Donations may be made through
Jan's legacy lives on through the love of his family, the lessons he taught by example, the traditions he created, and the countless memories shared around dinner tables, fishing holes, card games, and holiday gatherings. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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Nottingham Nature Nook16848 Towar Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823
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