John J. Pasternak

John J. Pasternak, age 78, of Bates Township, MI, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at his home. He was born September 5, 1939, in Armstrong Creek, WI, the son of the late John and Hazel (Knapp) Pasternak. He attended and graduated from the Goodman-Armstrong Creek Schools. He then went on to attend Northern Michigan University Skills Center for Carpentry. John married Nancy DeVolder on July 28, 1973 at the Grace Covenant Church in Iron River. The couple celebrated 44 wonderful years together last summer. He was employed for the City of Iron River for 25 years, and was a dispatcher for the Iron River City Fire Department. He was a member of Grace Covenant Church of Iron River. John was an active member of the Iron River Elks Lodge # 1671, and an ‘Exalted Ruler’ many times. He was a “Jack of all Trades” and delighted in putzing outdoors and in his shop. After taking Carpentry classes, he hand-crafted several beautiful pieces of furniture for his family. He had a real love of music, which he also instilled in his family. John was a musician and played in numerous bands, including the Eddie Blazonczyk Band. He enjoyed spending time with special friends, Paula and Craig DuFresne, while making music and recording CDs. John’s leisure activities included camping and fishing and spending quality time with his grandkids and family. John is survived by his wife Nancy; four daughters, Kathy (Terry) Wiltgen of Denmark, WI, Julie Pasternak of Oconto Falls, WI, Sherrie (Dennis) Grogan of Appleton, WI and Jill Bubolz of Caspian, MI; two sons, Johnny Pasternak of Iron River, MI and Wayne Pasternak of Iron Mountain, MI; grandchildren, Christopher (Nicole) Pasternak, Nicole (Rob) Sanders, James (Katie) Vannaman, Dawn (Doug) Kellogg, Brandon Vannaman, Dan (Chelsea) Gostisha, Micheal (Heather) Gostisha, Lily Bubolz, Mikayla and Steven Kunick; step grandson, Bryan Grogan; 17 great grandchildren; sisters, Irene Talmont of Blackwell, WI and Mary (Jerry) Henry of FL; several nieces and nephews; and camping buddies, Fred Chitko and Tony Millon.   In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Kobylarz, son-in-law, Tom Bickle (Julie) and beloved dog, Monte. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Covenant Church of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Swanson II to officiate. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John J. Pasternak, please visit our flower store.