Ishpeming, MI – John S. Barda, age 98, of 245 S Daisy St., Ishpeming Twp., passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022, at his home while under the loving care of his family and the U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

John was born in Calumet, MI on April 20, 1924, the son of Silvio and Katherine (Amonie) Barda.  He attended school in Calumet until his family moved onto a farm in Chassell. John graduated from Chassell High School, and shortly afterward was called to serve his country. He served in the South Pacific until the end of World War II, earning the rank of Corporal. Upon returning home John enrolled at Northern Michigan College in Marquette but during his Junior year was recalled to service during the Korean War.  After an honorable discharge, he re-entered college and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northern. John began his teaching career in Ontonagon, MI, and following that year, relocated downstate to Melvindale MI, where he stayed until his retirement after 30 years of teaching. It was during this time that he earned his Master's Degree from the University of Michigan. John has resided in Ishpeming Twp., since 1976 and was member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Helga Barda in 2014, daughter Colleen Helstein; grandson Ryan Helstein, sister Dominique Normand; and brother James Barda.

Survivors include a daughter; Nachel (Val) Lindsay of Ishpeming; son-in-law Dale Helstein of Ishpeming; brother Dominic Barda of Grand Rapids; 9 grandchildren – Randy, Jeremy, Sara, Erik, Justin, Danielle, Lisa, Natalie and Ashley; 14 great grandchildren – Veronica, Derek, Isabella, Dyllan, Jason, Jayme, Brecken, Milaneya, Griffin, Halle, Madacyn, Avery, Xander, and Ryance; 3 great-great grandchildren – Serenity, Bentley, Braxton, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Saturday May 28, 2022, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home where funeral services will be held at 11:00am with Steve Laiho officiating.  Interment will take place at the Negaunee Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army, UP Honors Team. Pallbearers will be Randy and Derek Slone, Jeremy, Erik and Justin Lindsay. A luncheon will follow at the Laestadian Lutheran Church, 567 Washington St., Ishpeming.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association at heart.org in John's memory.

John's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulklie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.