John J. Guertin

John J. Guertin

ESCANABA — John J. Guertin, age 91, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Munising Memorial Hospital.

John was born on June 8, 1932 in Garden, Michigan the son of John P. and Flora (Perron) Guertin. John was born and raised in Garden.

John was a hard worker and committed to faith and family. John was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus. During his lifetime he stared death in the face numerous times. He had a very colorful life.  He quit school to work with his Dad as a full time fisherman (later earning his GED in his 30s). John worked as a riveter in the building of the Mackinac Bridge and worked on iron ore boats in the Upper Peninsula. He was trained as a welder and eventually became a boilermaker by trade. For over 50 years he was a friend of “Bill W”.

John learned to be truly humble of heart. He was a wonderful caretaker to his mother in her later years. It was from her that he developed a love of hunting and walking through the woods.

John left a legacy. He is survived by his wife Patricia and stepdaughter Brenda Monett; sons John M. Guertin, Thomas Guertin, James Guertin, and Joseph Guertin; daughter Laurie (Patrick) Priniski; sister Sharon (Robert) Shafer; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Gail, sister Patricia (William) Bonifas, brothers Gary Guertin and Gerald Guertin and infant great grandchild Archie Fleck.

John will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba. To offer online condolences, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Guertin family.