John D. Bednarz

August 13, 1953 - January 23, 2020

John D. Bednarz, 66, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Thursday, January 23, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital with his wife and best friend at his side. He was born on August 13, 1953 to Ben and Doris (Oshkosh) Bednarz in Laona, WI. He attended schools in Goodman-Armstrong Creek and graduated high school in 1972. After graduation John worked for the United States Geological Survey with his best friend Carl Rocque. Later he started his career at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital where he worked in several different positions, eventually becoming an O.R. Tech. He loved his extended work family and valued the friendships he made over the years. It was there that he met the love of his life, Laurna Rowell. The couple was married on August 28, 2014. The two enjoyed 21 years together. John loved the outdoors and felt a deep connection to his Native American heritage and culture. John loved to trout fish and also enjoyed gardening in his backyard. When he wasn't outside he would be reading or creating oil paintings. Some of his artwork is displayed in local businesses. More than anything, he loved spending time with his wife, family, and his beloved cat Merlin. In addition to both of his parents, Ben and Doris (OshKosh) Bednarz, John was preceded in death by his father-in-law George Rowell, Sr.; mother-in-law, Audrey (Schneider) Rowell, and brother-in-law, David Rowell John is lovingly survived by his wife, Laurna Bednarz of Iron Mountain; his sister, Sandy (Jim) Lane of Laona, WI; special niece Kimberly (Jesse) Teschner and her children Cash and Tenly, brother-in-law, George (Netta) Rowell Jr., of Norway; nieces, Kristin (Gerry) Martin, Amanda Rowell, Jessica (Tony) Body, and Dawn (Brad) Hazelwood; great nieces and nephews, Eli, Luke, Mariah, Trinity, Javon, Jermiah, Julius, Tyler, and Sadie special aunt and uncle, June and Phil Dorfler; and special family friend Arron Anziano. Visitation will be at Forward Financial on Saturday April 18, 2020 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM W8159 US-2 Iron Mountain, MI. 49801 In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family Condolences to the family of John D. Bednarz may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements