John 'Reno' Bazinaw

John "Reno" Bazinaw

John Steven "Reno" Bazinaw of Wrightstown, Wisconsin, was a former Mackinac Island resident. For the past 29 years, he and his wife, Janet lived in Wisconsin, where Mr. Bazinaw had worked 20 years for Miller Electric of Appleton, Wisconsin. Friends recall that Mr. Bazinaw eagerly looked forward to work everyday, and was an avid sportsman. He also enjoyed watching sports on television, friends said, and he always rooted for the teams from his home state of Michigan.

Mr. Bazinaw was 57 when he passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, January 26, 2008, at his home.

He was born on July 7, 1950, to James and Helen (nee St. Onge) Bazinaw on Mackinac Island.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Bazinaw married Janet Mc Cabe in Green Bay, Wisconsin, May 12, 1979.

One of his favorite pastimes was golfing, especially with his sons, Jamie and Joe. He also enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Nevaeh Petersen, whom he called "his pride and joy."

Mr. Bazinaw is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons, James Bazinaw of DePere, Wisconsin, and Joseph Bazinaw of Wrightstown, Wisconsin; his granddaughter, Nevaeh Petersen; his 11 brothers and sisters and their families, Larry Parel of Mackinac Island, Jack and Paige Parel of Augusta, Georgia, Janice Green and her fiancée, David LaPine, of St. Ignace, James Bazinaw of St. Ignace, Doris and Richard LaPine of Cheboygan, Nancy and Ed Pfeiffelman of Mackinac Island, Clayton Bazinaw and his fiancée, Patti, of St. Ignace, Judy and Chris Hill of Alanson, Dennis Bazinaw of St. Ignace, Kenny and Gloria Bazinaw of St. Ignace, David Bazinaw of St. Ignace; two brothers-in-law, Bernard and Claire Lessor of Wrightstown, Wisconsin, and Gerald Mc Cabe of Suamico, Wisconsin; two sisters-in-law and their families, Janice and Roland Fengler of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Glenda and Carl Thomas, Suamico, Wisconsin; aunts and uncles; many nieces and nephews; and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Mr. Bazinaw is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Perry and Elaine Mc Cabe, and three brothers-in-law, Jerome Lessor, Reginald Lessor, and Gary Lessor.

Family members and friends may call at Cotter Funeral Home, at 860 North Webster Avenue, DePere, Wisconsin, Friday, February 1, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Services will be at 7 p.m. that evening at the funeral home. The Reverend Patrick Gawrylewski will officiate.

Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum in Wisconsin.