John Matthew Tezak

PETOSKEY, Mich. - John Matthew Tezak, 83, of Indian River, passed peacefully on March 27, 2021. He is preceded in death, by his parents Matthew "Fred" and Mary (Bolich) Tezak, his brother-in-law, Paul Garnish; and his nephew, Tom Garnish.

John is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Carole (LaFond); his three daughters, seven granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his sister, Delores Garnish and family; brother, Fred and wife Marge Tezak and family; brother, Thomas and wife Kari Tezak and family; and many other relatives and friends.

He graduated from Northern Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and later a master's degree in history. He taught in the Waterford school district for 35 years, retiring in 1993. In 2006, John was honored to be inducted into the Ironwood Area Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1953 Ironwood Red Devils Class B state champion football team under Coach Kraemer.

John loved being involved with his family, their events and activities. He enjoyed hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, playing cards, and was an avid sports fan. John is remembered as a caring man who loved to laugh, joke and dance. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ironwood Council and active in the Cross in the Woods Catholic Parish in Indian River.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Diabetes Association.