John Ponegalek
John Ponegalek, age 68, of Three Oaks, Michigan passed away surrounded by his family Thursday morning, April 12, 2012 at his home.
John was born December 10, 1943 in Lakeside, Michigan to the late John C. and Stella (Holy) Ponegalek. John joined the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War. During a leave stateside he married the love of his life Marilyn Pavur on March 19, 1966. Following his discharge they lived in several different states before settling into their current home in Three Oaks, in June of 1973. John worked in the foundries at Clarke Equipment, Independent Steel and Bendix, later owning and operating Rep-Tile. After retirement he remained active and did construction work and property maintenance. A true outdoors man, John loved spending his days hunting, fishing, or working in the yard. He took hunting trips to Colorado, Wyoming and Canada and dreamed of a trip to Alaska he was to take this fall. John was proud of his service to his country and was a former member of the Three Oaks American Legion and was a member of the New Troy American Legion WeeChik Post #518. Above all, John adored spending time with his family and loved every moment spent with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Ponegalek; his daughters: Christine and Allan Gnodtke, and their children Tyler, Kyle, Kelsey, of Three Oaks, Carey and David Lohraff and their children Julia and Jacob of Galien, and Candace and Jay Czuk and their children Brandon and Olivia of LaPorte; brothers and sisters: Donald (Judy) Ponegalek, David (Patricia) Ponegalek, Lois (Gordon) Krishbaum, Laverne (Arthur) Hut, James Ponegalek, and Keith (Linda) Ponegalek; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the Pobocik Funeral Home with a prayer and eulogy service at 7:00 pm. A private service with military honors will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger; P.O. Box 5127 Warren, MI 48090
To leave an online tribute, please visit www.pobocik.com.
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My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God wrap y’all in his arms and hold you tight through all the rough days ahead. His legacy will never die! With Love, Dawn
Prayers are with you all. Sorry for your loss. Johnny was a childhood friend of our family. Love to all Maureen
Our hearts go out to the family. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace John.
May the Lord hold you all in His arms.
We are saddened by your loss. John was a good friend and neighbor and he will be greatly missed. Your family will be in our prayers during this difficult time.
Our prayers to all of you, its been a very long time but you are all definetly in my thoughts Love Always, Monica
Marilyn–so sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was a great guy and a joy to know.
To the Family of John,
I am sorry to learn of John’s passing, my thoughts are with you. I had the pleasure of traveling with Him, delivering go-karts for Top Gun. We took a few trips together, so we spent alot of travel time talking and laughing. John was a very smart Man and could teach you alot about the “real” life. It’s a safe bet to say that there is no-one like John, truly one-of-akind. Honest and straight forward, God love Him. I hope that you can find some peace and comfort in the days ahead, I am sure that is what He would want for everyone.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Ponagalek family. I will always remember John as a wonderful family man; good husband, father, grandfather. An excellent father-in-law and great friend to my son, Jay. He will be deeply missed.
our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this tough time
Girls and Marilyn-so sorry to hear the passing of John,didn’t know he was sick.Been in Fla.all winter just getting back.May all the memories of his life hold you all together at this time and days ahead.You all are in my thoughts and prayers.we all had some very happy and fun times together exspecially up @ Swan Lake,boy could the man fish:)take care of each other.luv Ruthie and Bill.
We are sorry for your loss and send prayers your way. May his soul rest in peace, and may you find comfort with the memories of good times shared with him.
Peace be with John and his family.
Marilyn,
Thoughts and prayers and with you and the kids.
Dear Marilyn and family, We are feeling very sad and want you all to know that we have wonderful memories of John. John was a good friend. We had a lot of fun through the years and always admired him for his skills of hunting and fishing. We said if we were ever stranded on an island we would want John to be with us because we wouldn’t go hungry. We know he was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend anyone could have. We will miss him.
Laverne; I am sorry for you & the whole family concerning John’s passing.He sounds like a very nice man,& so young
My sister Joyce emailed the obituarie to me, so I want to send my condolences to you & your family.My thoughts are with you at this time.
Norma
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Hi Chris,
Sorry to hear about your dad. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marilyn and family: We have been away and just learned that John had passed away. He was a great guy and good friend. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Myra and Beryl
Marilyn,
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing! I am praying for you and your family! Know that I am here for you if you need me! Love and God’s Blessings to you now when you need Him most. Clara
So sorry to hear of John’s passing.Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family,he will be greatly miss.Rest in peace John!
Marlyn, My prayers are with you. Was sorry I couldn’t be their with you. His suffering is finally over.
Judy
John was a good man, a friend, and a living piece of Michigan history, he will be missed.
I will always remember his “pretty eyes” ! My heartfelt condolences are with you Marilyn and the girls. God Bless!
To my Uncle Johnny/Godfather
You left me with a lot a wonderful memories.
I will miss may you rest in peace.
Shaun
I will miss my friend and hunting partner.MY LOVE TO HIS FAMILY!Danny Springer