John A. Pazderka

John A. Pazderka of Kalamazoo, MI, and formerly of Omaha, NE

August 10, 1932 - May 4, 2022.

John, age 89, passed away May 4th, 2022, in Kalamazoo, MI after a brief illness.

John will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather that loved to tease. He liked to have a beer (or two) and trap shoot (generally not at the same time). He was also an ardent reader of the Wall Street Journal and a follower of the stock market. His glorious sense of humor touched all that knew him (even though at many times it was wildly inappropriate).

John was a graduate of Creighton Prep High School and Creighton University. He served his country honorably as a Second Lieutenant in the Medical Corps. John, a licensed pharmacist, was the owner and operator of multiple pharmacies (Farnam Drug, Thrifty Drugs) spanning decades. He enjoyed being a "legal drug dealer." John loved animals. In addition to his work and family, he also found time to home the many dogs that wandered into his stores. He would often say dogs were good company and the only ones who appreciated his humor.

After a brief 8-year courtship, John finally settled down and was united in marriage to the former Mary Marguerite Haselton at the Cathedral Catholic Church, Omaha, NE on July 4, 1970, and she sadly preceded him in death on November 8, 2020. Surviving to mourn his loss are two daughters, Marguerite "Peggy" M. Pazderka of Saginaw, MI, and Paula J. (Andy Moran) Pazderka of Chapel Hill, NC; two sons, Philip A. (Thuy) Pazderka of Plainwell, MI and Patrick J. (Christina) Pazderka of Plymouth, MN; seven precious grandchildren and two sisters, Louise Vayda of Annapolis, MD and Catherine Hammer of Omaha, NE. John was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers - Thomas and William Pazderka, and brother-in-law Robert Vayda.

Mass of Christian Burial for both Mary and John will be celebrated on Saturday, June 25th at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church, 766 S. Farmer Street, Otsego, MI 49078. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. in the Church. Interment will follow in St. Margaret Catholic Cemetery, M-89. A Luncheon and a time of Visitation will immediately follow the committal service at St. Margaret Parish Hall. In place of flowers, memorial contributions in John's honor may be directed to K9s For Warriors (donorservices@K9sforwarriors.org) or Creighton Prep High School. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.