John Josef Vrablec

May 22, 1939 - August 31, 2015

Guided lovingly by his family and greeted by many friends, John Josef Vrablec, 76, passed from this life on August 31, 2015 at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff, Wisconsin.  John was born on May 22, 1939 in Holic, Slovakia to John and Catherine (Vanek).  After leaving Slovakia and making his way through Austria and Canada, John and his family settled in the United States.  In 1962 he graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Forestry and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  Following a 4 year active duty assignment, he became a Naval Reserve Officer, retiring with the rank of Captain.  In 1966 he married his loving wife Marion (Fedor) in New York and began a long career with the U.S. Forest Service, traveling through the country, finally settling in Park Falls.  After almost 30 years of federal service, John retired to enjoy life with his friends and family.  He loved to travel and spend time by the fires talking and laughing.  His grandchildren brought him such joy and his family enjoyed laughing and seeing him smile.  He loved to fish, hunt, golf, play cards with his friends, travel and watch sports.  He spent countless hours volunteering his time in every community he lived in and truly touched every life he encountered.  He is survived by his lovely wife Marion of 49 years, two daughters, Joann (Brian) of Windsor, CO and Elizabeth (Jody) of Savage, MN, three grandchildren, Katherine, Alexander and Ryan, and many nephews, nieces and countless friends.  He is proceeded in death by his parents and his sister Anne Drac.  Visitation will be at 10:30 am on Saturday September 5, 2015 at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Park Falls, WI with a celebration memorial Mass to follow at 11:30 am. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate. Military honors will take place after Mass under the auspices of the Park Falls VFW post. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, donations to the Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, WI would be greatly appreciated. The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the Family