John Kusmitch

Mr. Kusmitch was born Jan. 5, 1931 in Crystal Falls, son of Stephan and Veronica (Syzlak) Kusmitch. He attended Crystal Falls School.

John enlisted in the U.S. Army in September of 1949 and served as a corporal during the Korean War. He was wounded in the line of duty and received the Purple Heart. He was captured by Chinese forces and sent to a prison camp in Korea. After a 26 month incarceration, the POW was given a Hero’s Welcome upon his return to Crystal Falls in 1953.

After returning home, John moved to Chicago where he met his future wife Ellen F. Dahlke. They were married on Oct. 18, 1958, in Crystal Falls, and then relocated to the Iron Mountain-Kingsford area to start a family where John worked as a construction worker/laborer, becoming a lifelong resident of the area.

John enjoyed nature, especially birds and wildlife. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. John was also an avid dog lover. Spending time with his family and grandchildren was important to him. He was a devoted Catholic and spent countless hours reading the Bible and praying the rosary.

John is survived by four children, Dolores “Dee” (Mike) Scholke of Iron Mountain, Wanda Kusmitch of Kingsford, Michael Kusmitch of Kingsford, and Eileen (Dan) Matchett of Iron Mountain; four grandchildren, Michael Scholke, Matthew (Brilyn) Scholke, Melissa Scholke, and Amanda (Daren) Wittmann; great-grandchildren, Ella and Max Scholke, Julianna Matchett, Brexly Wittmann; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, John Paul Kusmitch; his former wife Ellen Kusmitch; his parents; four brothers, Peter, Joseph, Anthony, and Chester; and five sisters, Helen Kusmitch, Annie Worden, Julie Hicks, Mary Spence, and Agnes Fabbri; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will remain forever in our hearts.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the dedicated caregivers in the following departments of the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain: Urgent Care, Cardiology, Tammie Goldschmidt and Primary Care; and Peter Rittenhouse and Urology.

Your kindness, care, and support are greatly appreciated. Also a special thank you to Treasia and Brandi from North Woods Home Care and Hospice and to Marina from Cornerstone Caregiving for their compassionate care and support.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 7, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home 901 Carpenter Ave. Following the visitation Father Janusz Romanek will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7 at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, 411 West B St. The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery of Crystal Falls in the spring.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of John Anthony Kusmitch online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson- Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.