John J. Juntunen

IRONWOOD, Mich. - John J. Juntunen, 68, of Ironwood, died on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 at Pioneer Apartments in Ironwood.

He was born on Sept. 12, 1951, in Ironwood, son of John A. Juntunen and Goldie (Rintala) Juntunen. His parents are deceased. John is survived by his brother, Kenneth Juntunen of Kingman, Arizona, and six nephews, six nieces and numerous cousins. He was "Uncle Johnny" to his nieces and nephews. His favorite uncle and aunt were Gilbert and Vivian Juntunen. He also enjoyed being invited to share holiday dinners at his cousin Carmen Mussatti's home in Bessemer.

John attended Central Grade School in Ironwood and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1972. He played football at Central Grade School in 1966 and 1967, and also played tennis and enjoyed bowling.

John was a beloved member of his high school class and loved to entertain at class reunions by telling jokes and doing impressions of famous people, (John Wayne and Dean Martin were his favorites). He thought of every classmate as family and loved hearing from them. A quote from a classmate's wife said it best: "Johnny was put on this earth to make a couple hundred of you better people, and his work here was done." We will miss you Johnny J.

John had a phenomenal memory, and, if you ran into John in town, he could tell you the date and exact time of day, to the minute, that he saw you. He lived in Ironwood for most of his adult life except for the few years he lived in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, with his brother, Ken. He was so homesick for Ironwood that one day in 1998, he took the bus back home to Ironwood.

Family and friends would like to express their sincere appreciation to Cathy Tankka, executive director of Pioneer Apartments in Ironwood, and her staff for the kindness shown to John over the years. He wrote a story about living there and being friends with many of the tenants.

A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood after the COVID-19 restrictions of social gatherings are lifted. Pastor Nicole Hanson-Lynn, of Zion Lutheran Church and Salem Lutheran Church, will officiate at the graveside service.

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.