John Peter Lagina

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died September 6, 2017

John Peter Lagina, age 91, of Kipling, passed away Wednesday September 6, 2017, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
John was born April 29, 1926, in Kipling, the son of Croatian Immigrants Joseph and Anna (Derkos) Lagina. He was raised in Kipling and was a 1944 graduate of Gladstone High School. Following graduation, John immediately enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in Okinawa, Japan during WWII. During his enlistment, John received medals of commendation which included the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 1 Star. He was honorably discharged in June of 1946. On May 8, 1948, John was united in marriage to the former Patricia Ann Kniskern and together the couple made their home and raised their family in Kipling. John was employed as a Terminal Manager at Marathon Oil Company, for many years. He was a member of All Saints Church in Gladstone and was past commander of the Gladstone American Legion Post #71. John enjoyed cheering for all Michigan sports teams, was proud of his Croatian heritage and loved to spend time with his family, children and grandchildren, and will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife Patricia, John is survived by:
Sons: Joseph (Janice) Lagina of Rapid River, MI, Mike (Susan) Lagina of Gladstone, MI, Perry (Raeann) Lagina of Summerville, SC, Paul (Mary) Lagina of Gladstone, MI and Jack (Kim) Lagina of Green Bay, WI

Grandchildren: Chris, Jim (Peggy), Gabriel (Angie), Joshua, Courtney, Nicholas (Robin), Justin (Kristen), Hannah, Kara (Alex) and Samantha

Great Grandchildren: Carson, Brent, Luke, Payton, Kelsey, Luka, Olivia, Isaac, Andrew, Jackson, Cadence, Hudson and Dexter John is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna:
Brothers: Joe, Andrew and Francis Lagina
Sister: Ann Micheau
John’s family will receive friends on Friday September 15, 2017, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow at 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will follow military rites at 5:30PM, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will be served in the All Saints Church Parish Hall following mass. John will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

15 Tributes for “John Peter Lagina”

    My deepest sympathy to all the Lagina’s. The Leonard’s were fortunate and blessed to have such good neighbors.
    I have fond memories of your dad. He and Pat raised a terrific family. Our prayers are for you. – Joe and Lili Leonardi

    I send my sincere condolences to the Lagina family for the loss of John. It was a pleasure to stop in & say “Hello” to he & Pat when I would visit at Bishop Noa. God Bless them both & may he rest in peace.

    Sincerely,
    Cheryl (Kalishek) Bernard

    Dear Mike, Sue, and family,

    So sorry to read of the passing of your father.
    Your family is kept in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    It was a pleasure having Pat and John in our Kipling neighborhood. They both had time for a wave, smile or chat.

    Dear Mr. Lagina,
    Thanks for being a friend of the Gasperich family of Kipling. We thank you for your service and being a positive neighbor to us! We share Croatian heritage and membership of All Saints! I send you love, prayerful hugs and healing energies through time and space on your new adventure as there is NO DEATH but a change of worlds. May this be a comfort to your family & friends who will miss you!
    Betsy Gasperich, daughter of Joe Gasperich

    Jack, Kim and Family,
    So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. This has been a most difficult year for your families. Hugs to all of you and take joy in the memories made as a family.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Anne and Mark Brower

    Sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family.
    We have not forgot how kind and helpful Joe was to our Dad when he
    was in need and in his passing.

    Cathy & Bob Stone

    Mike and Sue, I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I didn’t know him but I did because I knew you Mike. From a fellow Croatian your friend: George

    Uncle Johnny was such a fun person to sit and visit with whenever we had the chance to return to Michigan. It was just about a year ago that I and my husband visited him and aunt Pat at Bishop Noah Home. He still made us laugh the whole time. I am certain everyone at Bishop Noah enjoyed him and his infectious laugh. May your humor make a lot of noise in heaven! Your loving niece, Donna Kniskern Timonen and family from Floodwood, MN.

    so sorry to hear of the loss of johnny. he has been a part of my life forever. i will always remember the smile and gift of gab. he was a great guy who raised five great men along with his wonderful wife pat. he always made you feel special . his personality lit up a room. im so sorry for his passing. my sincere sympathy to pat and his family. sue cretens

    Perry and RaeAnn, so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you guys. ❤️ Randy and Donna

    I was saddened to hear of the passing of my uncle Johnny. He was proud of his Croatian heritage, Kipling, and above all Pat, his sons and their families. Whenever I visited with him, he always gave me a glowing report of what everyone was doing. I’m so glad I was able to visit your mom and dad in July. As soon as I walked in the room, your dad said, “Well, look who’s here! It’s Barbara Jean.” That’s the type of thing we’ll all miss about him. Pocivaj u miru, Johnny Lagina.

    So sorry for your loss Lagina family. Johnny was a very good friend to my Dad . They both loved their country, their city and the schools we were all educated at. They were huge Gladstone Brave sports boosters. And of course they loved their Croatian heritage. Whenever I ran into Johnny he would say there’s the “little cro” with his trademark “Johnny” grin. He will be missed. Please know that your Mom and all of you guys and your families are in my thoughts and prayers as you make your way through the coming days, weeks and months with out you Dad. God bless you and keep you Johnny Lagina .. give my Daddy a hug for me when you see him. (Toni Marmalick)

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