Obituary for John Stevens ""Johnny Rotten"" Pestka
John Stevens Pestka, 64, better known as “Johnny Rotten,” passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Ironwood, MI October 3, 2022.
John and his twin brother Joe were born to the late Felix and Ruth (Weisinger) Pestka in Ontonagon, MI, on February 11, 1958. John attended the Ontonagon Area Schools until 10th grade, when he decided he was “too smart for school” and better off going to work.
John had several jobs over the years but would consider himself a Jack of all Trades, Master of None, but his best skills came in his carpentry work. John loved doing carpentry work for his friends and family and kept himself busy by just word of mouth from the carpentry work he did perform.
John did some traveling throughout his years on this earth, but most of his time was spent in his hometown of Ontonagon. In 2000, John met his current wife, Deborah, at Captain’s Lounge. It seems like they were almost inseparable from that moment on. In 2003, John, Deborah, and his son Trevor moved to Ironwood to find better employment and be closer to his daughter Rachel. Deborah and John Married in January 2013.
John was the life of the party. People were drawn to him everywhere he went, and he met many friends over the years. His two closest friends were Todd Dickow and his favorite cousin Jay Kosey. Together the three were known as the three amigos and had a bond only most people can dream of! His favorite watering hole was Doc’s Bar in Ontonagon, where he never had a problem buying a round. I’m sure there are many stories to be told within the walls of that place and memories with John in general! John never wanted the party to end, but sadly, like all other good things, his party is over in this life, but hopefully carried on in the next.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Felix and Ruth Pestka; his twin brother Joe, his brother Ron Pestka, sisters Anna Ostrowski and Mary Joliff, one of his favorite nephews Ronald “Pete” Pestka, his nephew Bobby Pestka and niece Carly Pestka, along with many other family and friends along the way.
John is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Brandon Hamm, Kirsten (Jason) Jarvi, Rachel (Brian) Nowicki; and his youngest son and best friend, Trevor John Pestka. His grandchildren Mason and Lauren Hamm, Taylor Goard, Aiden, Grace, and Maddie Jarvi, Izaiha and Jaimisen Koski, and Jarrett Giannunzio. His Brothers Tom Pestka, Norman Pestka, George Pestka, Felix (Jack) Pestka, and Gerald (Butch) Pestka. Along with his two closest friends, Todd Dickow and Jay Kosey, with several other family and friends.
A celebration of Life will take place at the Eagle’s Club in Ontonagon, Michigan, on October 22, 2022, from 4-10 P.M. EST. John’s wishes were to be cremated.
John and his twin brother Joe were born to the late Felix and Ruth (Weisinger) Pestka in Ontonagon, MI, on February 11, 1958. John attended the Ontonagon Area Schools until 10th grade, when he decided he was “too smart for school” and better off going to work.
John had several jobs over the years but would consider himself a Jack of all Trades, Master of None, but his best skills came in his carpentry work. John loved doing carpentry work for his friends and family and kept himself busy by just word of mouth from the carpentry work he did perform.
John did some traveling throughout his years on this earth, but most of his time was spent in his hometown of Ontonagon. In 2000, John met his current wife, Deborah, at Captain’s Lounge. It seems like they were almost inseparable from that moment on. In 2003, John, Deborah, and his son Trevor moved to Ironwood to find better employment and be closer to his daughter Rachel. Deborah and John Married in January 2013.
John was the life of the party. People were drawn to him everywhere he went, and he met many friends over the years. His two closest friends were Todd Dickow and his favorite cousin Jay Kosey. Together the three were known as the three amigos and had a bond only most people can dream of! His favorite watering hole was Doc’s Bar in Ontonagon, where he never had a problem buying a round. I’m sure there are many stories to be told within the walls of that place and memories with John in general! John never wanted the party to end, but sadly, like all other good things, his party is over in this life, but hopefully carried on in the next.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Felix and Ruth Pestka; his twin brother Joe, his brother Ron Pestka, sisters Anna Ostrowski and Mary Joliff, one of his favorite nephews Ronald “Pete” Pestka, his nephew Bobby Pestka and niece Carly Pestka, along with many other family and friends along the way.
John is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Brandon Hamm, Kirsten (Jason) Jarvi, Rachel (Brian) Nowicki; and his youngest son and best friend, Trevor John Pestka. His grandchildren Mason and Lauren Hamm, Taylor Goard, Aiden, Grace, and Maddie Jarvi, Izaiha and Jaimisen Koski, and Jarrett Giannunzio. His Brothers Tom Pestka, Norman Pestka, George Pestka, Felix (Jack) Pestka, and Gerald (Butch) Pestka. Along with his two closest friends, Todd Dickow and Jay Kosey, with several other family and friends.
A celebration of Life will take place at the Eagle’s Club in Ontonagon, Michigan, on October 22, 2022, from 4-10 P.M. EST. John’s wishes were to be cremated.