John Nestor Patana

He was born October 5, 1943 in Detroit MI, Son of Nestor and Sofie (Niemi) Patana and was raised in Alston, MI. He graduated from Baraga High School and was a member of the U.P.’s first rock and roll band, ‘The Rhythm Rockers’ for 30 years. He served his country proudly in the US Army National Guard and was a member of the Iron Workers Union Local 783 in Marquette and Local 8 in Milwaukee until his retirement. He was an active volunteer with the Rapid River Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and a member of the choir at St. Charles Borromeo Church. He was also a member or the school board and a volunteer for the Rapid River Fire Department. He enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Nahma and Gladstone golf courses.

John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was an avid fan in the stands of every sporting event that the kids took part in.

John is survived by his wife, Brenda, his daughters Audra (Mark) Spielman, of Nelson, British Columbia, Canada and Beth (Gary Karp) Larson of Gladstone MI, grandchildren Lucas, Max, Gunnar and Ahna; sister Kristina (Eino) Miilu of Mass City, MI; in-laws, Sandi Patana, Clif (Gail) Moser, Carole Moser, friend Ted Morrison and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his brother Richard Patana and sister Florence (Richard) Hodges and extended family Darlene and Lawrence Sauve, Allen Moser, nephews Shane Moser and Michael Miilu.

A special thank you to UP Health System Hospice, especially Charlotte Groleau and Pastor Lewis Hague and the staff of the Skradski Funeral Home for the care they provided.

A service will take place at a later date when family and friends can gather.

The Patana family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.