John Mathew Samarzia

John was born on Feb. 21, 1926 to Joseph, Sr. and Anna Samarzia. John was a 1943 graduate of Morgan Park High School. He was a Navy Veteran of WWII in the Pacific Theater. John retired after 38 years at US Steel in Duluth.

John married Kathleen Bryan on Sept. 14, 1954 in Chisholm, MN and together raised two children, Barbara and Michael.

John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, John and Sarah. He also loved working in his yard with his beautiful flower garden and trees. He loved his church families at the former Riverview UMC Church and Norton Park United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael; and brothers, George, Joseph, Jr. (June), Rudolph (Betty), and Anton.

John is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Kathleen; daughter, Barbara (Rod) Shunk; grandchildren, John (Sarah Ann) Shunk, and Sarah (Eric) Sybrant; sisters-in-law, Mary Samarzia and Sheila Samarzia; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Dr. Sproat, and the St. Luke’s Hospice nurses, also to Diamond Willow for their comfort and care to John.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service Saturday, March 14, 2015 in Norton Park United Methodist Church, 436 N. 79th Ave. W., Duluth.

Interment will be at Oneota Cemetery with Military Honors Accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. Please leave a memory of John or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com