Foley, Minnesota
John Stawarski, 87, of Gilman, passed away May 15, 2023, at Elim Home in Milaca after a short illness. Mass of Christian burial was May 19 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. The Rev. Matthew Langager officiated. Visitation one hour before Mass at the church Friday. Burial with full military honors took place in the parish cemetery. Service with dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
John Walter Stawarski was born May 26, 1935, in Benton County to Walter and Genevieve (Kachmarek) Stawarski. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958. After returning from his military service, he assisted in maintaining the family farm with his father until 1970. He married Bonnie Stofflet Sept. 2, 1963, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Foley. The couple would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in September. After selling the farm, he worked for 30 years as a master welder at DCI in Waite Park. After his retirement, John enjoyed his large gardens, mowing lawn, putzing with vehicles and visiting with everyone. He was an honorary life member of the Gilman Knights of Columbus, the Foley American Legion and Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Gilman; and their children, Jerome (Denise) of rural Foley, Allan (Rita Ann), of Swatara and Carol (Duane) Habiger of rural Foley; as well as grandchildren Emily, Jeremiah and Shawn; and step-grandchildren Jennifer and Cassandra.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Henry (Clair Bass) and sister Rosemary (Quirren) Okonek as well as one grandchild, Jozef Luke.
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