As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
John C. Drennan, age 89 of Baraga, MI passed away Monday, November 2, 2026 at St Vincent Hospital, Green Bay, WI.
John lived a life marked by service, education, leadership, and a deep commitment to his community. Born with a lifelong passion for learning, he attended Morgan Park Military Academy and later studied at Pestalozzi-Froebel Teachers College in Chicago.
John married the love of his life, Sara Bonde Drennan, who preceded him in death in 2003. Together they built a family while living in Cedar Lake, Indiana, and Kankakee, Illinois, before relocating to Baraga, Michigan, in 1970, where John would spend the remainder of his life serving the community he loved.
An educator for many years, John taught middle school and physical education, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. He was known not only for his dedication in the classroom but also for his ability to encourage, mentor, and inspire young people. In addition to his career in education, John worked for the Penn Central Railroad.
John’s commitment to service extended far beyond his professional life. A proud 33rd Degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite, he served as Past Potentate of the Marquette Shrine and was honored to serve for 10 years on the Shriners Hospital Board in Minneapolis, helping support children and families in need.
Deeply involved in civic affairs, John served as Republican County Chairman for 43 years, dedicating decades to public service and community engagement. Throughout his life, he had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with five United States Presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
A lifelong scholar of Abraham Lincoln, John was widely respected for his knowledge of American history. He was also an accomplished Master Gardener, finding great joy in cultivating flowers, plants, and gardens throughout his life.
John is survived by his children, Linda Drennan (Greg Horning), Jim Drennan (Judi), Johanna Koszykowski (Nick), John Drennan Jr. (Donna), and Janet Drennan; and by his beloved grandchildren, Darren McCleskey (Stacey), Lizard Epsha (Siphono Phore), Emily Koszykowski Underwood (Colton), and Carissa Simmerman. He also leaves behind many friends, former students, fellow Masons, and community members who will remember him fondly.
John’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through education, service, leadership, and friendship.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 14, 2026 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor Julie Belew officiating. The family will greet friends on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. A Masonic Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. followed by an Eastern Star Service. Immediately following the funeral service, the family invites friends to join them for a luncheon and fellowship in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials in John’s honor to be directed to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Interment will take place at a later date in the Copper Harbor Cemetery.
John’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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