John Pedrotti

Husband of 52 years, Dad for 48 years, Grandpa for 25 years, Great papa for 4 years, brother and uncle for 71 years, friend and coach for life. John Robert Pedrotti, born February 28, 1949 to John and Rose (Blatt) Pedrotti, at home in Brown City, MI went to his heavenly home to celebrate and rejoice, uniting with those who went before him on March 10, 2020.

John, better known around town as coach or “Uncle John” by his baseball and softball kids, or the stump grinder guy, was born the son of sharecroppers on School Road in Brown City. Having 7 big sisters, Johnnie was the special baby brother. When he was 16, he bought his first horse, Trixie, who he loved racing. This love of horses has passed down to his granddaughters who continue his legacy.

John married the love of his life, Janet Gordon, on October 7, 1967 at the ages of 18 and 19, having to wait until John graduated high school. Together, they celebrated 52 years of marriage raising three children. John was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from May 1969 to November 1970. He did a tour in Vietnam from October 1969 – November 1970.

Prior to being drafted, he worked at Mississippi Valley Structural Steel from 1967 – 1972 when A.C. Spark plug bought the company for a parking lot. He then hired into and retired from A.C. Spark, later Delphi, in June 2006, after 34.5 years.

After moving his family to Millington in 1976, John became very active in the community. He was active with the Millington Boosters, serving as president for many years. He designed the current football field, came up with the brat booth at the old field, and ran lines for football for years. He also built softball and baseball fields, might have cut down a few trees without permission (with partner in crime, Dave Cobb), coached and instilled a love for baseball and softball in many of the children in the community. He went on to encourage and be the biggest supporter of his grandchildren and lots of adopted grandchildren, attending basketball, volleyball, football, softball games and rodeos no matter where they were held. He was named Tuscola County Friends of Youth, an honor he humbly accepted.

John is survived by his children and their families: Laurie (Matt) Taylor and daughters: Brett (Grant Smith), Chaise (J.R.) Schriber and Kylee (Travis Brown) Taylor; Larry (Linda) Pedrotti, and children: Austin, and Hunter, Austin, Brittany, and Devon Nash; Lisa (Todd Findlay) Deming, and children: Autumn and Lindsay Deming, and Brett, Hannah and Owen Findlay, Lindsay Jacobi. Holding a very special place in his heart is his great grandson, Colton John Taylor, who he loved spending time with and talking about tractors, trucks, and all things in life.

John is also survived by six sisters: Helen Mudri, Thelma Ferguson, Florence (Russ) Lowell, Peggy (Walt) Bartsch, Marie Francis, Rosette Knox, and sister-in-law, Donna Pedrotti. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Judy Ferguson, Carl (Deb) Gordon, and Dan Hormel. John is survived by many nieces and nephews, including his fishing buddies: Chuck and Paula Ferguson. John reunited in heaven with his parents, John and Rose Pedrotti, his in-laws, Walt and Shirley Gordon, sister Jean Ferguson, brothers, Harley, Larry, and Lloyd; brother-in-laws, Ed Mudri, Dunc Ferguson, Harley Ferguson, and Jack Francis  and sister-in-law, Joyce Hormel. He also reunited with his nephew and best friend, Dale Ferguson and other nieces and nephews and friends, notably Mike Chedister and Frank Barber.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or the Saginaw VA Voluntary Services. Friends and family will gather Friday at Hanlin Funeral home from 2 – 8 p.m. and celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Millington United Methodist Church.  Please come dressed casually as anyone who knew John, knew he was a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy!

HANLIN FUNERAL HOME

Serving Since 1928