Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

John Ira Wanden

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - John Ira Wanden, 89, of Bessemer, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, in Wakefield.

He was born Oct. 25, 1926, in Tomahawk, Wis., the son of the late John and Beatrice (Hudson) Wanden and had been a long-time Bessemer resident.

John was veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged on April 15, 1946. He was a life member of the Wakefield VFW Post 9084.

John was employed by Steiger's Lumber Mill as head sawyer, retiring after 44 years of service. His wife, Katherine, preceded him in death on April 30, 2016.

John enjoyed fishing, hunting, making wood and spending time at his camp, "Camp Misfit."

He is survived by three sons, John (Janet) Wanden, of Ironwood, James (Connie) Wanden, of Curtiss, Wis., and Timothy (Jill) Wanden, of Ironwood; two grandchildren, Lynn (Gil) Rodriguez, of Merrill, Wis., and James Wanden, of Curtis; three stepgrandchildren, Theresa Beckman, of Ironwood, Rick Niemi, of Larsen, Wis., and Tyler Mikkola, of Ironwood; five great-grandchildren, Daniel and Jordan Rodriguez, Josh Justinak, Ashley Beckman and Spencer Niemi; and four brothers, Tom (Sally) and Bob Wanden, both of Ironwood, Bill Wanden, of Seattle, and Larry (Jane) Wanden, of Three Rivers, Wis.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one son, David Paul Wanden, in 1953; and two sisters, Gert and Catherine.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility and Aspirus Grand View Hospital for their excellent comfort and care.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements. To send on line condolences, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.