John Pienela

Foremost in the life of John W. Pienela was his family. A loving provider, he worked hard his whole life through to give his family a secure and stable environment and the best opportunity possible. He will be remembered fondly and lovingly in the lives of those he touched. The roaring 20s brought many changes to America as women won the right to vote and prohibition took effect. Families tuned their radios to the first broadcast baseball game and Louie Armstrong was the King of Jazz. This period following World War I also brought economic prosperity for many in the U.S., but in Chassell, Michigan, Matthew and Mary (Johnson) Pienela had their attention set on the birth of their son, John Wilhart born on August 4, 1920. His father worked as a lumberjack in the lumber and fishing community of Chassell nestled along the bay in Michigans Upper Peninsula of Lake Superior. The youngest of nine children, John joined older brothers Ansel, Wapoo and George and his sisters Martha, Sigred, Lillian, Helen and Ruth in their bustling household where Johns mother had her hands full looking after the children. Life for John growing up in the Upper Peninsula was filled with activity and adventure. He learned to hunt and fish as a young boy and loved to be in the outdoors. He always joked that his middle name was actually Getwood because that was the first thing his father said to him each morning! Even though the harsh northern winters coupled with the onset of the Depression made life in the U.P. and across the nation a struggle, especially for large families, John was able to continue his education where he attended Chassel High School and played on the basketball team. It was through his friend E.J. that Johns life was forever changed when he met young Mildred Carslake. E.J. was dating Mildreds sister, and the two began dating. Before long, they found themselves deeply in love. With the prospect of a promising job, John moved to Muskegon, Michigan after finding work as a machinist at Anaconda Wire and Cable. Mildred followed him to Muskegon and on September 29, 1945 they were joined in marriage, making Muskegon their permanent home. Blessed with the birth of their daughter Mary in 1946, their son John completed the family in 1950. Within walking distance from Johns work, they lived on Barclay Street near Nims School and attended Our Saviors Lutheran Church. During the early 1950s, John acquired tuberculosis, infecting his lungs and causing his immune system to be compromised. Isolated along with others who had the disease, John had no choice but to live in a sanatorium. Known as the consumption or TB, John passed the time keeping busy with leather work and making rugs. During this time, Mildred began working at Anaconda in order to provide an income. Once recovered, John returned home to his loving family and his job at the plant. The setback during his illness and time away from home instilled in John an even greater desire to offer his family a life of fun and adventure. Lakeshore living provided family memories where summer days were spent on their 14 foot Crosby boat. Enjoyable times were also shared by family and friends who gathered at Mona Lake Park on Sundays for picnics, boating and waterskiing, or vacationing in the U.P. and Ohio to visit relatives. A true outdoorsman, John also liked taking his boat out on Muskegon Lake to fish, especially for perch. In their free time, John and Mildred loved to go dancing or to the club or a friends house to play cards. Their longtime membership at the Vikings Lodge provided great friendships throughout the years and an enjoyable social life. John even joined a bowling league and did some hunting as well. Unfortunately, the days became quite difficult for John when Mildred was diagnosed with cancer. After a long battle, she sadly died in 1966. But John was not destined to be alone, and after some time, he met Jeannette McEntee while at the Vikings. Also widowed with two daughters of her own, she worked at Dr. Paulsens office, a local doctor. The two soon hit it off and as they enjoyed their time together, a close bond of friendship, companionship and love was formed. With their children grown pursuing lives of their own, John and Jeannette became blessed in marriage on June 28, 1969, making Johns house their home. The coming years provided opportunity for each of their families to become close as everyone enjoyed time together at their cabin on Little Manistee River in Irons, Michigan. Numerous family gatherings took place there with fun times tubing down the river, fishing and playing cards. John and Jeannette especially loved time at the cabin and when Anaconda closed down, John took the opportunity to retire where he had worked his way up to inspector. This time allowed them to spend nearly all of the summer months at the cabin where they made many friends and where John could spend more time fishing and his love of reading. Always handy, John found enjoyment taking care of their property and even engineered a sea wall as well as a pumping system from the river to keep the grass watered. After a wonderful marriage lasting 25 years, Jeannette died in 1994. John tried to keep active through golf and other activities, but he eventually moved into Northcrest Assisted Living facility. Even though he had hopes of moving back home, John spent the remainder of his life living there where he participated in many activities and enjoyed visits from his family. Sadly, as the years took their toll, John Wilhart Pienela died on Friday, August 28, 2009 at the age of 89. He will be sadly missed. John is survived by his son, John C. (Gwen) Pienela of Florida; two daughters, Mary (Keith) Martin of Whitehall, MI and Barbara (Jim) Root-Balbinot of Colorado; 6 grandchildren, Clark Wierda, Barb Wierda, Katherine Atkin, Heidi Pienela, Matt Pienela, C.C. Puzzuoli; 3 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Sophie and Jack; a sister, Martha Fisher of Florida; brother-in-law, Bob Scott; several nieces and nephews. Besides his beloved wives, John was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Wierda. SERVICE: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory, submit a photo or to sign his online guest book.