- Date Of Death: September 6, 2017
- State: Michigan
John Peter Lagina, age 91, of Kipling, passed away Wednesday September 6, 2017, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
John was born April 29, 1926, in Kipling, the son of Croatian Immigrants Joseph and Anna (Derkos) Lagina. He was raised in Kipling and was a 1944 graduate of Gladstone High School. Following graduation, John immediately enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in Okinawa, Japan during WWII. During his enlistment, John received medals of commendation which included the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 1 Star. He was honorably discharged in June of 1946. On May 8, 1948, John was united in marriage to the former Patricia Ann Kniskern and together the couple made their home and raised their family in Kipling. John was employed as a Terminal Manager at Marathon Oil Company, for many years. He was a member of All Saints Church in Gladstone and was past commander of the Gladstone American Legion Post #71. John enjoyed cheering for all Michigan sports teams, was proud of his Croatian heritage and loved to spend time with his family, children and grandchildren, and will be deeply missed.
In addition to his wife Patricia, John is survived by:
Sons: Joseph (Janice) Lagina of Rapid River, MI, Mike (Susan) Lagina of Gladstone, MI, Perry (Raeann) Lagina of Summerville, SC, Paul (Mary) Lagina of Gladstone, MI and Jack (Kim) Lagina of Green Bay, WI
Grandchildren: Chris, Jim (Peggy), Gabriel (Angie), Joshua, Courtney, Nicholas (Robin), Justin (Kristen), Hannah, Kara (Alex) and Samantha
Great Grandchildren: Carson, Brent, Luke, Payton, Kelsey, Luka, Olivia, Isaac, Andrew, Jackson, Cadence, Hudson and Dexter John is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna:
Brothers: Joe, Andrew and Francis Lagina
Sister: Ann Micheau
