John A. Nowicki, Sr., 84, of White Pine, MI passed away February 8, 2011 at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital.

John was born December 6, 1926 to parents Stanley and Agnes Nowicki in Gaastra, MI. He grew up on the Nowicki farm in Gaastra until joining the Navy at age 17. On May 29, 1948, John married Viola Maki, and together they made their home in the Gaastra/Stambaugh/Iron River area.

John worked for many of the iron mines in the Iron County area. He and his wife also owned and operated the Shamrock Bar in Gaastra from 1966-1971. John began working for White Pine Copper Co. in 1971, and he and his family moved to White Pine in 1972. In 1979, John started working at Champion Paper in Ontonagon and retired from there in 1991, when Stone Container owned the paper mill. He was also a housepainter in his spare time and during his retirement, and today his son Dan continues with the business.

John was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, trapping, and hunting; many a trophy deer was taken by him over the years, with a 17-pointer being one of the greatest. He loved to garden, and his were some of the finest gardens in White Pine, providing many fresh vegetables to his family and neighbors. John was a true "Packer Backer" as well as a Detroit Tigers fan. He also excelled at bowling, and won many team trophies with his sons.

John was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in White Pine, and was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also belonged to the White Pine American Legion.

John is survived by his 5 sons, Stanley (Laurie) of White Pine; John Jr. (Alexia Kroll) of Marquette, Robert (Lisa) of Green, Darrin (Gene Goss) of Bessemer and Dan (Donna Immonen) of White Pine; sisters, Helen Christofferson of Star Valley, AZ and Phyllis Olsen of Gaastra. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola in 1995; brothers Frank Nowicki and Louis Urban; sisters Rosalee Muto and Valeria Burrows, and grandson Alex Milkie.

At John's request, cremation will take place and a memorial service will be celebrated at a later date. The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.