John Wlasiuk, age 82, of Brainerd, died on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at St. Cloud Hospital. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Brainerd. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at church and from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday evening at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home. Interment will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.

John was born on May 8, 1939 to Alex and Anna (DelGrosso) Wlasiuk in Brooklyn, NY. After graduating high school in Sidney, NY, John joined the National Guard for 1 year, 11 months, and 17 days. John then joined the United States Air Force in 1957. He served in the Air Force for 4 years, 1 month, and 3 days. The Air Force took him to Texas, Mississippi, Wadena, MN, Alaska and North Carolina.  While in Wadena, he married Patricia Rohr on January 24, 1959. 

God and church were a very large part of John’s life. He had a true and abiding love for God and prayed often.  His family was also one of the most important parts of his life.  He loved unconditionally and would do anything to help his family (and friends) in good times and bad.

He worked at Potlatch in Brainerd for 35 years. Since retiring, he has volunteered with many groups in the Brainerd community. A few of the groups and organizations he belonged to are Lakes Area Law Enforcement, Meals on Wheels, Interfaith, Shop with a Cop, TRIAD, Eucharist minister at the hospital and nursing home, Quarter Century Club, Knights of Columbus (3rd and 4th Degree), muzzle loaders, Men’s Fellowship group, American Legion and was a member and volunteer at St. Andrew’s Church. He was also an avid pool player.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat; children, Tim (Jackie) Wlasiuk, Cindy (Bruce) Pettis, Mike (Nancy) Wlasiuk and Jeff (Suzanne) Wlasiuk; nine grandchildren; brothers, Joe Wlasiuk and Bill (Rosa) Wlasiuk; sister, Ann (Dave) Lane; sister-in-law, Winnie Wlasiuk; extended family, Barb (Art) Rowan, Ginny (Dave) Steuart, Rosemary Gerads and Charlotte Rohr and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mitch Wlasiuk; Daughter-in-law Lisa McGlocklin; grandsons, Phillip McGlocklin and Seth Flor; sister-in-law, Sharon Wlasiuk; brothers-in-law, Jim Rohr and Glen Gerads and half-sisters, Mary Corso and Lil Lease and half-brother Pete Wlasiuk.

As John would say, “God Bless”.