John J. Vasicko, 98

John J. Vasicko, formerly of Anderson and now of Muncie, Indiana passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Morrison Woods Health Campus. He enjoyed a long, meaningful life filled with hard work, joy, and happiness. 

John was born on January 2, 1915 to Michael and Maria Vasicko in South Prairie, Washington. He lived in Longview, Washington until he and his wife, Irene, moved to Anderson in 1962.

John was a woodworker of the first order. In his work shops he created many excellent pieces of furniture, plus four boats, one of which was used for fishing in thePacific Ocean. Members of his family and many friends will always treasure the items he made for them.

After working 44 years in manufacturing in the lumber industry, John retired as a division manager for International Paper Company, Long-Bell Division. 

He enjoyed fishing, especially on the Cowlitz River in Washington State, working in his shop, hunting, traveling, and  watching the University of Notre Dame play football. In later years, he liked to watch golf and play a few rounds of putt putt. 

Survivors include his two daughters, Darlene Johnson (husband Gary) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and Sally Jo Vasicko of Muncie, Indiana; two grandchildren, five great grandchildren; a sister, Louise Reedy of South Prairie, Washington; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Irene, his parents, three brothers, and one sister.

John’s family deeply appreciates the loving care, kindness, and respect he was given by Dr. James Dunn, John’s “family” at Morrison Woods Health Campus, and Embrace Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the Brown, Butz, Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory, 515 East 53rd St., Anderson, with Rev. John Hackney officiating. Burial for Irene and John Vasicko will follow the memorial service at Beech GroveCemetery, Muncie.

Friends may call from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Alpha Center for Adult Day Care, 315 South Monroe, Muncie, Indiana 47305; Duke University Pulmonary Research Program, Alumni and Development Records, Duke University, Box 90581, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0581; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; or the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.brownbutzdiedring.com