John Ira Wanden, 89, of Bessemer, died Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in Wakefield. He was born October 25, 1926 in Tomahawk, WI, the son of the late John and Beatrice (Hudson) Wanden and had been a long time Bessemer resident. John was veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged on April 15, 1946. He was a life member of the Wakefield VFW Post #9084. John was employed by Steiger''s Lumber Mill as head sawyer, retiring after 44 years of service. His wife, Katherine preceded him in death on April 30, 2016. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, making wood, and spending time at his camp "Camp Misfit". He is survived by three sons, John (Janet) Wanden of Ironwood, James (Connie) Wanden of Curtiss, MI, and Timothy (Jill) Wanden of Ironwood; two grandchildren, Lynn (Gil) Rodriguez of Merrill, WI, and James Wanden of Curtis, MI; three step-grandchildren, Theresa Beckman of Ironwood, Rick Niemi of Larsen, WI, and Tyler Mikkola of Ironwood; five great-grandchildren, Daniel and Jordan Rodriguez, Josh Justinak, Ashley Beckman, and Spencer Niemi; and four brothers, Tom (Sally) and Bob Wanden both of Ironwood, Bill Wanden of Seattle, WA, and Larry (Jane) Wanden of Three Rivers, WI. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one son, David Paul Wanden in 1953; and two sisters, Gert and Catherine. AGraveside service will be held10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer. Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #27 and VFW Post #3673 Honor Guardof Bessemer. The family would like to thank the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility and Aspirus Grand View Hospital for their excellent comfort and care.