John Wranek, age 72, of Colome, passed away on June 1, 2016 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 9, 2016 at St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Colome. Burial will follow at the Colome Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at St. Isidore's Catholic Church with the prayer service starting at 7:00 PM.

John A. (as he was known by his family) was born April 29, 1944, the first son of John and Mildred (Shanahan) Wranek.

John attended grade school at Scott School in Lake Township and graduated from Colome High School in 1962. He then attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield and received his teaching certificate. John taught at "country schools" while taking classes to receive his 4 year teaching degree. After many years of summer school John obtained his "Master's degree and became the Jr. High Principal in Colome. He then moved to the Winner School District and later the Miller and Lake Andes School Districts as a Jr. High Principal.

John loved his profession and took the education of the area youth very seriously. He also enjoyed his family and friends. He would often refer to his nephews as "my boys".

John retired from teaching in 1988 and moved to the former Johnny and Lucile Heacock farm where he took great pride in fixing the buildings, fences, and yard. His family often joked "John could make a tree grow out of a rock!"

John loved to visit and had many relatives and friends he spent time with. He was also known for always having a "classy car". John was able to remain on the farm when his health started to decline due to his cousin Dan Wranek checking on him and taking him to various appointments.

John will always be remembered by his laugh and knowledge. He was often asked to "put that in words the rest of us can understand"!

Grateful for having share his life are his brothers Albert {Al} (Mary) of Silver City, NM, Dave (Marcia) of Mitchell; Sister-in-law Mary of Summerset, SD; Nieces and nephews Lisa (Kevin) Thiessen of Parker, CO., Lane (Betsy) Wranek of Cedar Rapids, IA., Tina (Eric) Daly of Chaska, MN., Cindy (Kraig) Haase of Hayti, SD., Jacque (Dustin) Blaha of Summerset, SD., Nick (Stephanie) Wranek of Tea, SD., and Matt (Desi) Wranek of Chamberlain, SD.; along with great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents John and Mildred, and a brother James (Jim) Wranek.