John Nestor Patana

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died November 25, 2020

John Nestor Patana, 77, of Rapid River, passed away Wednesday evening, November 25, 2020. He died peacefully at his home of congestive heart failure, surrounded by family and friends.

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 UP’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.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, October 9 at 11:00 AM at St. Charles of Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River with Fr. William Ssozi officiating. John will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the Rapid River American Legion Post 301. A luncheon will follow at the Rapid River Lions Club.

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

28 Tributes for “John Nestor Patana”

    I’m so sorry to hear this! John was always a pleasure to be around on the golf course and anywhere you would meet him! A true gentleman he was! I’ll miss his smiles and his good time to be with him on the links! RIP dear soul, I am glad to have the opportunity to know you for so long! Y prayers will be with you and your family members!

    We’re saddened to find John passed away on the 25th.
    He was a long time friend from Alston who will be missed by all.

    We’re saddened to find that John passed away on the 25th. He was a long time friend from Alston who will be missed by all. We extend our sympathy to his family.

    Brenda, Audra and Beth, we were so sorry to hear about John’s passing. We have many special memories spent with your family from special times such as weddings and baptism to just family get togethers at Brent and Sandy’s. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Debbie, Juergen and family

    Patana family, We were so sorry to hear about the loss of John. You are in our thoughts in such a difficult time.

    Sue Solka, Dwight Harwood, Holly Peoples

    Brenda, Audra, Beth and families,
    I am so deeply sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man. He had the best smile and shared it with everyone around. He was a great supporter to his grandchildren and their friends at all of the sporting events. I feel blessed to have known him. He will be missed by many. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
    ~Kelly Robinson and family

    I am so sad to hear of John’s passing. He always brought a smile to my face and being someone I’ve known most of my life always made me feel so good, and a little closer to home. I’m so sorry Brenda, you and your family are in my prayers.

    Brenda and girls. We are so sorry about John. He was such a great man. We always had lots of laughs when we were together. Harland and Bruce tell many stories over the years of the three of them. With sympathy.

    Brenda and family, Remember what a fun man he was. I’m so sorry for your giant loss. Please know you are in my thoughts.

    Brenda and family
    Our deepest sympathy in your loss of your husband, father and grandfather.
    John was a amazing person who had a wonderful sense of humor. He brought laughter and beauty to all he meet. He will be missed. Take care.
    Julie and Mike Elliott

    Brenda and family,
    Sorry to hear about John. Our deepest sympathy to you. We know he will be missed by many.
    Sure did enjoy the music of the Rhythm Rockers back in the day.
    Roger and Janet Whitmarsh

    Brenda and Family
    I am so sorry for your loss, I worked for and with John many times over the years. He was always fun to be around. He was always a hard worker. He will be missed.
    Ernie and Pam Demmon

    Brenda, Beth, Audra and all the family, I’m truly sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man and I’m so glad I knew him and my prayers go out to you all.

    Brenda and Beth,
    I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and dad. I am sure he will be deeply missed. May God’s peace and love help you remember the happy times you have shared together, and may God guide you through this difficult time.

    Roy and I are so saddened by your loss of husband, father and grandfather. We will miss hearing him sing in the choir at St. Charles, and the good works he did for the church family. In addition to being an irreplaceable loss it especially challenging now

    Brenda, so sorry to hear of Johns passing. We had many good memories and how we loved the Rhythm Rockers. John was a great guy with a great smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters.

    Brenda, you and “your girls” are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this stage of missing one you all love so much. I’m so glad you both had the time to spend with your grandchildren together as well… truly these are special bonds. To miss someone greatly is to have loved them deeply. You have my heartfelt condolences.

    Deepest sympathies to you Brenda, Beth and family for your loss of John. Our Family and the LIONS family send our thoughts and prayers.

    Dave Bonczyk Family

    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a good friend for many years. Our prayers go out for your family

    My deepest sympathy to Brenda and ALLof John’s family. My wife Joyce and I enjoyed many Saturday nights at the ” Lodge ” dancing to the Rhythm Rockers.

    Very sorry to hear about John, our families were neighbors in Alston and the Rhythm Rockers were a favorite in the UP! He was very talented as was his brother Dick, My heart goes out to his family!

    Sorry to hear of my child hood friend John,
    We were grade school buddies when his family lived near the Union River next to the Porcupine Mtns State Park. We winter camped, along with his brother Dick, near the river. Great family. Also sorry to hear of the passing of Kris.

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