John Gudwer

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died December 12, 2023

John F. Gudwer Sr., of Rapid River, passed away December 12, 2023 at UP Health Systems in Marquette with family by his side. After an adult lifetime of various health issues, he is finally able to rest.

 

John was born March 2, 1949 to his parents Francis and Joan (Trombley) Gudwer in Escanaba. John lived in Perkins as a child and graduated from Perkins High School in 1967. He married JoAnn (Wery) in June of 1967 and they shared 56 years together.

 

John worked as an electrician, member of IBEW for 50 years, traveling from Boston and New York State to Wyoming and Montana and many places in between, especially the UP and Wisconsin.

 

He was a lifelong trapper, hunter, and fisherman. He especially enjoyed trapping beaver, otter, and mink. John enjoyed managing his hunting property for deer and other wildlife. He also was a devoted Newhouse trap collector, gun collector, and knife collector.

 

John bought wild fur and deer hides for 40 plus years owning the business J&J Furs (Delta Leather & Hide). He bought throughout the U.P., eastern lower Michigan, northern Wisconsin, and northeastern Minnesota.

 

He was a member of the National Trappers Association, UP Trappers Association, North American Trap Collectors Association, and NRA. John very much enjoyed his two trips to Alaska. He was especially impressed with the wild life they saw in the Yukon and British Columbia.

 

John enjoyed trapping and friendly, competitive cribbage games with friend “Duck” Donald Besaw of Shingleton. They had many phone conversations remembering their former days of trapping.

 

John is survived by his wife JoAnn, his two sons and daughters-in-law Tom and Beth, and John and Julie. He was extremely proud of his sons and their accomplishments in life. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brooke (Tony) Perry, Michele (Seth) Humpula, Emily (Mersad) Ceric, and Kade Botsford; great-grandchildren who brought him great joy, Elodie and Isla Perry, Leo Humpula, and Forrest and Lena Botsford; sister Julie (Mike) Elliott; brothers Jeff (Kathy) Gudwer and Jim (Tina) Gudwer; Aunts Carol (Joe) McGonagle, Rita Gudwer, Mary Trombley, and Lorraine Gudwer; mother-in-law Lillian Wery; sister-in-law Tammy Lehtikangas; brothers-in-law Jerry (Kim) Wery, Louis (Maud) Mery, and Gordon (Judy) Wery; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by father-in-law Cecil Wery and grandson Jace Botsford.

 

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Masonville Township Volunteer Fire Department and they can be mailed to 10584 N. Main Street, Rapid River, Michigan 49878.

 

Family will receive friends on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services honoring John will begin at 3 PM with Pastor Terri Branstrom officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.

16 Tributes for “John Gudwer”

    So sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember John being so nice when he came to my Dads house to buy fur!
    Thoughts and prayers for your family

    I am deeply saddened to say goodbye to another cousin. I remember when John and Milty came to Illinois when they were in high school to sell Christmas trees. My sister Mary and l thoughtour prayers were answered. We were certain they would live with us forever and be our brothers.Not until my moms cousin Bill Trombley came in a big semi and wisked them back home. So sorry for your loss.

    Sending thoughts and prayers to all of John’s family,friends and everybody who had the pleasure of knowing himDennis,Mary & Kyle Eastman

    John was a very caring and friendly person. I got to know him through the fur business which provided an important service in our area.

    So sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful person. Matt and I talked about him often. God Bless you all. He’s at peace now and in no more pain.

    Tom & John, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Dad’s seem to be the hardest to loose.

    To John’s family:

    Went to school with John and his younger siblings + his uncle, Bill T.

    Once bought a very nice white horse from his dad, Francis, & other dealings with the family.

    We were just reading that John passed away and that his funeral was today, so he will be missed much.

    Just wanted to let you know of our thoughts your way.

    With sincere sympathy, Harold & Judy A.

    Sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May your many beautiful and cherished memories and moments carry you through and always be with you.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Cindy Couillard & Family

    Dear Gudwer Family,
    I had known John for many years. Traded deer hides for gloves and bought traps over those years The community as well as your family, l’m sure, will miss him dearly.
    My condolences,
    Jeff Ware

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