John Lawrence Zupancich, 91, passed from this life on July 9, 2026. He was born in Chisholm, Minnesota on March 10, 1935 to John Zupancich and Josephine (Fantelli) Zupancich. Growing up on the Iron Range instilled a deep pride in his Slovenian and Italian heritage. He and his brothers learned to play the button box and sing Slovenian folk songs just like their father.

When he was 21, the Army sent him to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. It was there that he met the first love of his life, Jacqueline (Jackie) Mills. They were married in February 1958 and soon welcomed Donna, Lisa, John Frank, and Jana. He worked for Sears for 36 years as an appliance salesman where he never met a stranger, and everyone called him Johnny Z.

The family lost Jackie in 1985 at age 46 to thyroid cancer. Several years later, John married the second love of his life, Vivian Smith, in September 1991. They added Jenny and Nicholas to their family, and Johnny entered a new realm of stay-at-home dad. He drove a big van blaring polka music up to their elementary school, and loved to stop in and read to their classes. They traveled back to Minnesota every summer for all-class reunions at Chisholm High School and to attend the International Polka Festival.

He was a longtime member of Jordan Park Church of Christ, and he loved to call each member on their birthday and sing to them. His personality was larger than life and he loved to tell jokes and talk with everyone he met. He was proud of all of his family's accomplishments and would brag about them to anyone who would listen.

John is preceded in death by his parents, wife Jackie, brother Louie, sister-in-law Lorraine, and nephew Randy. He is survived by wife Vivian, brother Bob (Barbara) Zupancich, sister Barbara (Donald) Stolzoff, children Donna (David) Frederick, Lisa (Mark) Rummell, John Frank Zupancich, Jana (Chris) Woodlee, Jenny (Corey) Williams, and Nick (Carson) Zupancich. He leaves a legacy of ten grandchildren: Angela, Caroline (Luke), Mallory (Richard), Abe, Jacob, Noah, Sullivan (Amanda), Jozie, Josiah, and Keegan, seven great-grandchildren: Kinsley, Eleanor, Brigitte, Seth, Emmett, Beckham, and Cora, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 2:00 pm with reception to follow. The location is White Azalea event venue at 2659A Jeff Road in Harvest.

In lieu of flowers, Johnny’s wish was that you donate to his great-granddaughter Kinsley’s Trust or make a donation to Sacred Selections.

To make a donation to Kinsley’s trust, you can send it to David & Donna Frederick via PayPal (@ddfreds).

For Sacred Selections (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/u7DqtQ?vid=1rc800) please do so through their website.