Giovanni "John" Carlo Partenio's Obituary
Giovanni “John” Carlo Partenio, 93, passed away peacefully on April 19th, 2022 in Muskegon, Michigan. John was born November 4, 1928 in San Martino al Tagliamento, in the region of Fruili-Venezia, Italy. John’s family moved to Grand Blanc, Michigan in 1935, where, like so many young immigrants of the time, he found sports an avenue to assimilate into a new life and a new country. At Grand Blanc High School, John was a four-year letterman in football, basketball, baseball, and track. After working throughout high school as a tiler and mason, he soon realized the profession was not agreeing with his back, and decided a career in education would lead to a better future. He accepted an invitation to play football for Central Michigan University, where he became an all-conference tight end and punter. Two key events in college would shape John’s future. First, he met Elaine Ann Thelen at a dance, and they danced their way through 67 years of marriage. John also bought a garage sale set of golf clubs and became hooked on the game for life. John went on to graduate from Central with a degree in education, and after serving in the Korean War, married his lifelong love, Elaine, and settled into a life of teaching and coaching in the Muskegon area. His coaching resume included football for the Little Reds of Muskegon and basketball at Mona Shores, Muskegon Community College, Saint Francis Elementary, and Muskegon Catholic Central. After earning a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, John embarked on a “side job” that would last for over thirty years and influence the lives of his growing family. Together with the extended Garzelloni family, John turned a farm in Nunica, Michigan into Crockery Hills Golf Course, which was later renamed Terra Verde (Green Earth in Italian). John’s children and grandchildren spent many years learning how to work and play together at our home course. After retirement from Muskegon Community College, John and Elaine started wintering in Sebring, Florida where they made many friends and new memories. John surely must have set a retirement record by playing golf six days a week, nearly year-round, for thirty years! John will be remembered for many things; his big laugh, booming voice, and love for the game of golf. But his family will always remember him for the example he set for honesty, hard work, sportsmanship, and fatherhood. His grandchildren were fortunate to have had their Grandpa ever present as they grew up, enjoying every holiday with family, summer outings at the lake, and lessons at the golf course. We have no doubt “Big John” is staring down a beautiful par three in heaven, watching his 10th hole-in-one roll into the cup. John was preceded in death by his parents, Ada Sabina and Pietro Partenio; his brother Joseph; and his sister, Joanne. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; sister, Arvilla Atkinson; children, Linda (Tom) Wagenmaker, Steve (Debbie) Partenio, Dan (Dominga) Partenio, Janet (Curt) Fater, Lisa (Kelly) Powers; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. VISITATION will be held Sunday, April 24, 2022 from 2pm to 5pm at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey Street, Norton Shores Michigan, 49444. FUNERAL MASS will be held 11:00 AM Monday, April 25, 2022 at St. Francis de Sales Church, 2929 McCracken Steet, Norton Shores Michigan, 49441. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10am to the time of service. There will be a lunch reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, or St. Francis de Sales Church. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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