Gladstone, MI
John E. Katarincic, age 84, of 1622 Montana Avenue, Gladstone, passed away Tuesday July 9, 2013 following a brief illness at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
John was born September 5, 1928 in Escanaba the son of John and Mary (Minnerick) Katarincic. He was raised in Escanaba and attended the St. Joseph Catholic School. John left home when he was only 16 and helped support his family by shoveling coal on the ore carrier Pam Snieder. He studied hard and became a 1 st Engineer. He was forced to retire because of downsizing at the age of 52.
John was employed with Cleveland Cliffs on their ore boats in some capacity on the following Great Lakes Freighters, Grand Island, Michigan, Frontenac, Pontiac, Walter A. Sterling, and the Tom M. Girdler.
John was united in marriage to the former Gayle DuRoy on January 19, 1952 in Cleveland, OH. On their wedding day they danced to the Frankie Zanchovic Band. John still loved to Polka. John built his family home in Gladstone and also his cottage on Camp 7 with the help of his son, son-in-law and father-in-law.
John was Croatian and was very proud of his heritage. He enjoyed Polvitia, Croatian Sausage from Viau
Becky Oberstar - Traunik, Mi
Sorry to read of John’s passing but you are right about dementia and it sounds like he still knew his family.I loved his fishing stories and the albino burbot was a once in a lifetime achievement.So,from his Slovenian friends in Traunik we say See You later! We will dance a polka for him next dance.
Carol (Christiansen) Woody - Jackson, MI
What a nice picture of John. Such fond memories of him for me way back when Tim and I were dating in high school. My condolences to the family.
Jerry and Pat Sherwood - Rapid River, MI
Our condolences to the family. We knew John and Gayle well. They were good friends.
AnnMarie - Gladstone, Mi
To Sue and your entire family, I’m so sad for your loss, I know my husbands Grampa Dimock is meeting him at the gates…You’re in my thoughts and prayers
Brian Lalich
Dear Tim and SueSorry for your loss. Many fond memories growing up as your neighbor. Such as riding in John’s chevy pickup truck in the back of the bed with Peter Jandro, Tim and Myself. Thinking of you at this time. Your childhood friend.
Brian Lalich and Jeanne Dehlin Lalich
Terry & Patt Jo Peterson
Tim and family:Our sympathies.