John P. Wargen

John P. Wargen, age 84, of Bark River, passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He was born on June 19, 1937 in Berwyn, IL, the son of Nick and Emma (Braatz) Wargen. John attended Riverside Brookfield High School in Illinois where he graduated with the Class of 1955. He married the former BettyLou Suchomel on February 15, 1958 in Brookfield, IL and she preceded him in death on March 14, 2021. Together, the couple shared 63 years of marriage. John was employed as a fireman in Hinsdale, IL for many years until his retirement in 1985. He and BettyLou relocated the Upper Peninsula after retirement, settling in Bark River. John enjoyed fishing and watching sports. Many summers were also spent vacationing at their cottage in the U.P. on Crooked Lake.

John is survived by daughters, Bonnie (Tom) Lemke of Lahaina, HI, Vicki (Dennis) Green of IL, and Nancy (Jim) Reilly of Cornell, MI; 3 grandchildren, Jessica Green, William Reilly, and Jamie Reilly.

In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy.

Private family funeral services are being planned. Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Schoolcraft County. 

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