John P. Zavodnick, 82, of Spooner, WI, formerly of the Twin Cities, retiring in Spooner, passed away peacefully at home July 20, 2025. He was born August 9, 1942 in Soudan, MN, son of John and Sophie Zavodnick. He graduated from Tower Soudan High School, Ely Junior College, and UMD. John graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1968. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Armor Branch, in the US Army and the Minnesota National Guard rising to LTC spanning 26 years.

He was employed by Duluth News Tribune as National Advertising Manager in 1970 moving with Knight-Ridder Newspapers to the Metro area of the Twin Cities in 1976.

A devoted father, loving husband, John’s unique sense of humor drew friends to enjoy fishing in Canada, camping in the Boundary Waters, skiing with family, time at the cabin he built in Northern Minnesota, riding his motorcycle in Alaska and his UTV in WI.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Rolling Hills Snowmobile and ATV Club.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gwendolyn Zavodnick; three children, Matthew Zavodnick, of Rogers, MN, Michele Purcell, Otsego MN, Mindy Stollenwerk, St. Michael, MN; 5 grandchildren, Jakson, AJ, Taylor, Anni, Amelia, 2 bonus grandsons Ethan and Owen; two sisters, Deb Devaney (Steve) of Mora, MN, Carol McLees of Watauga, TX; six nephews, one niece and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Rosemary (Raymond) Stefanich and Teresa (Bob) Stefanich.

Services will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, Spooner, August 1 beginning with visitation at 11:00 AM, with service at 12:00 PM, luncheon to follow. Interment at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Gospel Mission, Duluth, MN or Trinity Lutheran Church, Spooner.

Last Update: Jul 24, 2025 7:12 am CDT