John Gracik, 94, of East Tawas

Francis John Gracik died June 1, 2023, in East Tawas, Michigan. John, as he was known to family and friends, was born January 14, 1929, in East Tawas, Michigan to Effie Mielock and Joseph Gracik. He graduated from Tawas High School and attended Lawrence Institute of Technology and Delta College. He was a machinist and worked on NASA’s Saturn V moon rocket, later he became an electrician and an installer for Western Electric. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family. He married Barbara Ann Miller on May 30, 1952, in Saginaw, Mi. She preceded him in death after 67 years of marriage. Together they had nine children, eight survive him: Mary Leatherman of Hull, MA and Shepherd, MI; Jack (Alease Loitz) of Zimmerman, MN; Dave (Julie) of Sterling Heights, MI; Glenn (Gina) of North Pole, AK; Theresa of Ann Arbor, MI, Judy (Mike Whalen) of Spring Lake, MI; Steve (Lisa) of Elk River, MN; and Sue (Denny) Wyman of East Tawas and Dearborn, MI. He also leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. His family will cherish memories of his booming voice, hugs, kluski, and fudge. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, a great-granddaughter and his son Bill. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and his family will welcome friends for a time of gathering on Saturday, June 10th, 2023 at the Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for Francis’ family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.