John M. Mazurek

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - John M. Mazurek, 88, a long-time resident of Wakefield, formerly of Racine, Wis., passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 23, 2016.

John was born on April 26, 1928, in the small mining town of Wakefield, a son of John P. and Antoinette H. (Kwiatkowski) Mazurek. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1946. While he was in high school, John worked at Delmet Mercantile where he met the woman he later would call his wife.

After high school, John attended Gale Institute, where he trained as an agent-telegrapher. He would use his newly acquired skills while working at Chicago and North Western Railroad through his early 20s.

On Aug. 9, 1952, John married the love of his life, Irene "Bunny" Beber, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield.

They celebrated more than 51 years of marriage before her passing on May 21, 2004.

In 1952, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country as a radio operator on a minesweeper. He was honorably discharged on April 24, 1956. John received the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation European Clasp and the National Defense Service Medal.

Upon returning from the service, John attended Northern Michigan University and graduated in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

John went to work at the J.E. Burke Company as an office manager until 1962. He then went to work at the Racine Vocational School in Racine. The school developed their technical training program, and it later became Gateway Technical College, where he was employed for 27 years.

John returned to college and earned his master's degree in teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1970.

He found his passion in teaching, loving the ability to shape the minds of his many students. Because John understood and valued his profession and how it positively impacted his students, he dedicated his time teaching night classes at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

During the summer of 1987, John traveled to Poland, where he spent time in the village his parents had immigrated from in the early 1900s. He spent that summer learning the ways of the old country while teaching conversational English.

John retired in 1989, and moved back to his hometown of Wakefield. Though retired, he continued to teach part-time at Gogebic Community College.

John's greatest love was his wife, Bunny and spending quality time with his grandchildren. He was a devoted father and compassionate grandfather. If you had the pleasure of knowing him, you knew he was one of the happiest and lighthearted individuals you had ever met. Your life was enriched for having known him.

He will be greatly missed, but will always be held near to our hearts. 

John is survived by two sons, Michael (Angela), Orange Park, Fla., and Charles "Chip" (Kelly), Racine. He was especially proud of his eight grandchildren, Margaret, Jennifer, Sophia, Jack, Natalie, Max, Marcella and Mallory; and a great-granddaughter, Lucinda May.

Besides his beloved wife, he was predeceased by his parents; six brothers, Stanley, Frank and Edward Urbanski and Charles, Joseph and Walter Mazurek; and two sisters, Pearl Cebolski and Mary Baker.

In accordance with John's wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 to 11:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 11:15 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at noon, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A luncheon will be served at the church hall following the military service.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank profoundly Dr. Gerald Wisniewski and his staff, Dr. Michael Papp and his staff at the Cardiac Failure Center and the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare hospice staff. They are a truly remarkable group of people who treat everybody with dignity and respect in often trying circumstances. We are truly fortunate to have such a committed group of compassionate caregivers in our community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for a future scholarship to be established in John's name.

Rite of Committal and inurnment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, in the spring.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.