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 30’s). 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; 5 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; and 9 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.
Mass of Christian Burial honoring John will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 11:30 AM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba. John will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery following.
Amy McGuire - Colorado Springs, Co
Our family knew our uncle John as uncle Sonny. He was always like a ray of sunshine when we visited him. I will always remember how his eyes sparkled and he had such a contagious grin. Also a great attitude and so many wonderful stories to tell. He lived life to the fullest and we will all miss him very much.
Amy
David Guertin - Universal City , TX
Uncle John I will miss you a lot and my sincere condolences and prayers for you and your family
Sharon Guertin Shafer - Clifton, VA
To John Mark, Laurie, Tom, Jim, and Joe,
My heart and prayers go out to all of you in the loss of your Dad. I am so grateful for the time I had with him and what a wonderful big brother he was. I look forward to being with all of you and sharing our memories of him.
Love,
Aunt Sharon
Mary M. Kruger - Sarona, WI
To Our Old Neighbors,
Sorry about the loss of your father. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
The Willcock Family