John Albert Banuchie passed away at his home on January 18th, 2011 with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born July 20th, 1933 and was a life-long resident of Ontonagon, MI. After his military service, he became well-known in the area for his work in the logging industry. Following retirement, people remember him best by his frequent walks through town or riding on his Harley.

John will always be remembered by his beloved wife Viola (Teenie) to whom he was married for 57 years, his children John (Debbie) Banuchie, Mary Banuchie, Brenda (Randy) Jackman, Bruce Banuchie, and Tina Banuchie (Bruce Fox), 11 treasured grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, sister Edith (Dave) Nowak, brother Tom (Linda) Ferguson, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.

John loved working in the woods, going for walks, fishing, riding his Harley, listening to country music, restoring antiques, home brewing, and spending precious time with his family. John touched the lives of many people in the community with his kind smile and wave, and maintained his sense of humor all the way to the end.

John was preceded in death by his mother Louise Ferguson and step-father Thomas Ferguson as well as his grandson Paul Anttila.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, January 22nd at Cane's Funeral Home in Ontonagon, MI. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. with the service beginning at 2 p.m. A potluck luncheon will be held afterwards at the VFW in Ontonagon from 3-5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the remarkable people who gave such wonderful care for John in his time of need at Aspirus Superior Home Health Care & Hospice, 540 Depot St., Hancock, MI 49930 or the Ontonagon County Cancer Association, P O Box 282, Ontonagon, MI 49953.