Rathdrum, Idaho - John Andrew Waisanen, age 62, of Rathdrum, ID and former Champion resident passed away Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at his home in Rathdrum after a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born on February 14, 1947 in Negaunee, the son of Everett and Marie (Kangas) Waisanen. He was a 1965 graduate of Champion High School and honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He returned to this area following his service time and graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1974.

John spent two years working for Cleveland Cliffs before moving to Idaho in 1977 where he was employed by the Idaho Department of Transportation, Road Maintenance Dept. retiring this past February. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycling and traveling.

Survivors include his mother Marie Waisanen of Champion, brothers: Everett (Jan) Waisanen Jr. of Suttons Bay, MI, and Richard Waisanen of Champion, nephews: Alan Waisanen and Andrew (Linda) Waisanen, great nephews: Sam, Tom and John Waisanen along with several cousins. John was preceded in death by his father, Everett Waisanen Sr.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 28th with Rev. Michael Carriere officiating, and military honors by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380. The family will greet friends and relatives from 12:00PM until the time of services. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a luncheon at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Champion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380, 173 U.S. 41 West, Negaunee, MI 49866.