Obituary of John W. "Big John" Kochevar

John W "Big John" Kochevar, 57, passed away on October 28, 2018 in St. Luke's Hospital due to a brain aneurysm.

John was born in Cook, MN on May 24, 1961. He attended Hermantown High School and played hockey, a sport he loved playing. He moved to Saginaw after marrying "his bride," Dina Marvel on December 5, 1987.

John worked several jobs including: Lagro Trucking, Billman's Construction, ISD #2142 as a bus driver for almost 18 years, and lastly Cirrus Aircraft, a job he loved!

John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, outdoors in general, as well as his boat. He also loved teaching his grandkids to enjoy the outdoors, having "cocktails" around the fire pit (beer and fireball). He loved smoking any kind of meats. He became Suzy Homemaker with his blueberry pies, no flour added! And his famous turkeys. He also loved going to his favorite place in the world, Buyck, MN.

John had a contagious laugh and was a sponge for jokes. He could remember just that right joke for just the right moment, even when he had only one eye open. Those who knew John, know there were no surprises with him, what you saw is what you got... no filters. But if asked, he'd be there in a heartbeat for a friend in need.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Beverly and Walter Farden; baby brother, Jay; uncle, David Rutchasky; aunt, Kathy Rutchasky; and cousin, Steven Rutchasky.

He is survived by his wife, Dina; children, Chad (Katie), Krystal (Chris) Softich, Ashley (James) Letsos, and John (Kelsi); grandchildren, Owen Henry, Chase Kochevar, Aidyn and Grahm Softich, Elias and Liiam Letsos, and Isabella Sanda Kochevar; siblings, Shelly Kochevar, Laura Archambeau, Joe (Cindy) Kochevar, Kim (Randy) Lagro, and Wanesia Spry Misquadace; in-laws, Robert and Fran Marvel, Micki (Jack) Lane, Rob (Heather) Marvel, Rich (Misti) Marvel, Jason Marvel; as well as 12 nieces and 12 nephews; his special uncle, Frank Rutchasky; aunt, Paula (Donny) Lamke; uncle, Bill (Marge) Rutchasky; and aunt, Betty Rutchasky; numerous cousins and endless numbers of friends.

There wasn't a place on earth he went that he didn't run into someone he knew or that they were a friend of a friend.

To honor John the way he lived his life, wear camouflage or Vikings gear (if you have it) and join us in a Celebration of Life, Thursday, November 1st, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave, Duluth.