John Francis Szaroletta

John was born in Ontonagon, Michigan on August 18, 1924 to John and Cecelia (Vertatich) Szaroletta. He graduated with the Ontonagon Class of 1942. After graduation John entered the Navy and served on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific during WWII. After his service to our country, he attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering. While working as an electrician in Milwaukee he met the love of his life, Mary Demeuse. They married and returned to Ontonagon, where John built a home; and they raised their family. John worked for the Paper Mill in Ontonagon for many years and was known by his co-workers as "Electric John."

Among John’s many passions were health and fitness. He could regularly be spotted riding his bicycle to and from a hard day’s work, and upon retirement he enjoyed bowling in the Senior Bowling League. John loved gardening and getting out in nature, where he spent time walking around Bear Creek and the Porkies. He loved his time in the woods and on the shores of Lake Superior. He often remarked that there was nothing more beautiful than the sunsets on Lake Superior. As recently as the year before his death, John was still able to take a swim in his big lake. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and his dog. Also, John enjoyed discussing politics whenever he had the opportunity. He was a member of the Ontonagon Historical Society, and John also found time to serve the community as a volunteer for the Ontonagon Chamber’s Visitor Center, and at St. Vincent DePaul. In recent years, he was grateful to have had the opportunity to be a guest on a U.P. Honor Flight to Washington DC.

John is survived by his children Cheryl Fedrizzi, Mary Ogan, John (Micki Hoefer) Szaroletta, and Sandra (David) Hutto; as well as a sister, Virginia Stefanich and a brother, Joseph Szaroletta; nieces Mary Jane Loukus and Joanna Holmstrom; as well as eight grandchildren (Michael, Brian, John, Jason, Ryan, Michael, Sarah and James); five great grandchildren, and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by Mary (Demeuse), his beloved wife of fifty-eight years; daughter Bonita "Bonnie" (Homrich), and son-in-law, Gregory Ogan.

Funeral mass took place on Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Ontonagon. Burial will take place in the spring at Evergreen, Cemetery in Ontonagon. The Cane Funeral Home of Ontonagon assisted the family with arrangements.

John was very grateful for the love and support he received from his friends, family, and community

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Francis Szaroletta, please visit our floral store.