John M. Pachmayer

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - John M. Pachmayer, 100, of Wakefield, formerly a longtime resident of Ironwood, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020.

John was born on April 8, 1919, in Ironwood, a son of Charles K. and Anna S. (Smelok) Pachmayer. He attended St. Ambrose High School in Ironwood and graduated in 1937.

John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was assigned to Battery B, 319th Glider Field Artillery and the 82nd Airborne Division. John was commended for undergoing prolonged intense battle, for participating in the D-Day Normandy Division and in the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharge as a private first class on Nov. 19, 1945, and received many decorations and citations.

On Oct. 4, 1947, John married Goldie Julian at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ironwood. They celebrated more than 59 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on March 1, 2007.

During his working career, he was an electrician.

John is survived by four daughters, Jane (Dale) Peterson, Ishpeming, Ann (Jerry) Wuorinen, Wakefield, Amelia Pachmayer, Washburn, Wis., and Cecelia Pachmayer, Howell; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his beloved wife, Goldie, he was predeceased by his parents; a grandson, Chip Marshall; and seven siblings.

The family will greet relatives and friends Friday, Jan. 24, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Pallbearers will be John's grandchildren.

Following the Mass, full military rites will be accorded at the church by the combined Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will follow at the Wakefield VFW Post 9084, 107 E. U.S. 2, in Wakefield.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, in the spring.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.