John Paciorek

- Paciorek, John T. Age 58 of Coon Rapids, MN, bravely and gracefully passed through Heaven's gates and into the arms of Jesus from complications of Scleroderma on May 30, 2004. This was the toughest journey of his life and John accepted the journey courageously, knowing God has a plan for everyone and had been guiding him throughout his life. Jesus Christ was the 'wind beneath our wings.' John traveled the hills, valleys and curves of this journey with dignity, strength, courage, and kindness found in only a few. He was an astonishing man. Throughout his journey, John found time to comfort others, putting himself second and insuring their every need was met. It was such a great comfort to be able to fulfill John's last request and bring him home for his final days. He was cared for by his devoted family and was able to say goodbye to everyone who meant so much to him. What a great joy it was to see the sparkle in his eyes when those he loved visited and once again touched his heart. What a tribute to John that so many men were able to tell their good friend 'I love you.' This experience has etched an everlasting mark in the hearts of his family. A welcome Home reception was held for him as he entered the Kingdom of God, hosted by his mother, Ruby McNiff, father, John Paciorek, stepfather George McNiff, stepbrother Charles McNiff, half brother Donovan McNiff and sister-in-law, Marsha Statezny. The passions of his life were Jesus Christ, his family, cooking, British comedies, classic comedies and slapstick, westerns and fishing. John was born to John and Ruby (Anderson) Paciorek on January 23, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN. He attended Edison High School (Class of '64) but graduated from West High School in 1966. He was a proud American and served in the Army, defending our freedom in Vietnam during the years of 1967-1968, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. John was a friend to thousands, cherished by hundreds, loved by many and a champion to one, his wife, best friend and soul mate, Orpha. John also is survived by his daughter Jody (Brett) Gamble of Fridley, MN and son John T Paciorek II of Minneapolis, MN, grandchildren Chelsi, Justus, Ashley, Leanne and John, Godson Tom (Nikkie Bang) Paciorek of Apache Junction, AZ, special friend Sherry Bangsund of Coon Rapids, MN and lifelong friend Ed (Vivian) Blaido of Fridley, MN, his 'family' from Summer Breeze (Bradley's) Resort, Farm Island Lake, Aitkin, MN, sisters Ruby Bartlett of Minneapolis, MN, KathyPaciorek (Inez Montgomery) of Brooklyn Center, MN and brothers Tom (Lois) Paciorek of Murphy, NC, David (Peggy) Paciorek of Arden Hills, MN and Earl McNiff of Rutherfordton, NC, father and mother in law, Melvin and Carol Statezny of Crandon, WI, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends. John was a member of the Twin Cities Carpet, Linoleum, Resilient Tile Layers, Terrazzo Workers and Finishers Union, Local #596 and was employed by Ziem's Carpet Work Room in Bloomington, MN. Thank you to all at Ziem's for the difference you made in our lives. What a great bunch of guys! John loved each and every one of you and you touched our hearts in ways you may never know. Thank you to American Family Mutual Insurance, particularly Sherry Bangsund, Jeff Holte, Tracy Meyer, Maria Sather, Bruce Thomas and the Catastrophe Claims Department, for your support, understanding, encouragement and kindness during John's illness. A special thank you to Dr. Lex Nerenberg and his staff for over 12 years of phenomenal care. Your understanding of John and the way you cared for him was heart- warming and will never be forgotten. Another thank you to the following doctors and their staffs: Jeffery Wilson, Clare McCarthy, Robert Lager, Kathleen Whitley, Michael Somermeyer and John Gray for their dedication to their professions, the care they gave John and the compassion you had for the family. What rare gems you are in today's world. Thank you to Dr. Sherry Crispen for upholding her motto 'I am always here'. She was here for every hill and every crisis, always aiding in John's care in every aspect. He was comforted by your touch, voice and understanding. Another thank you to the apheresis & dialysis nurses from Fresenius Medical Care including Marti, Cathy, Terri, Rebecca, Shannon, Dan and Ivan. Every day, you brought us a little sunshine. Our last thank you goes to the staffs at North Memorial Medical Center, North Home Care, especially Jean Johnson, the police and fire departments of Coon Rapids, and the ambulance crews from Allina Health for their kindness and terrific care to John throughout this journey. It is in giving that we receive and the lives of those who cared for John shall be enriched greatly. Private Interment, Mass of Christian Burial 6 PM Wednesday at OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1 Lourdes Place, Minneapolis. Visitation 5-9 PM Today with a Rifle Honor Salute at 7 PM in the funeral chapel parking lot. Also, visitation 1 hour prior at church on Wednesday. Washburn-McReavy Seman Chapel 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd 763-767-1000.

Tributes

John Paciorek

June 1, 2004

Tributes

John Paciorek

June 1, 2004

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