Johan "John" Hemken, 92, formerly of Algoma, passed away Monday, October 14, 2024. He was born September 8, 1932, in Milwaukee to Harm and Aida (Park) Hemken.

John served in the Navy during the Korean War and was stationed on the Coral Sea. He graduated from Michigan Tech. During his early years he would race power boats in Portage, WI. Throughout his life John loved to tinker and was always working on some type of machine. He had a passion and talent for photography. John won several awards for black and white photographs and taught classes at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. His number one love and passion was his family. For many years John worked as a mechanical engineer. He started his career as a mining engineer then later worked building paper machines and plant construction. John retired in 1997. After retirement he was able to spend time with the love of his life, Irene, and the family they had built. John married Irene Sikkila on December 26, 1953 in Aura, MI.

He is survived by his children, Mike (Barbara), Scott (Donna), Kelly, Pat (Beth); grandchildren: Gregg (Jennifer), Chris (Sabrina), Peter, Jamie (Allison), Miles; great-grandaughter, Devlyn; great-great-granddaughter, Selene; daughter-in-law, Karen.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; son, Craig Hemken; brother, Peter; sister, Rita.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 18; Celebration of Life Service to follow at 5 p.m. Inurnment will be in Wanderers Rest - Gillett. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.