John "Bwana" Biondich

Funeral service for John M. “Bwana” Biondich III, 73, of Gilbert, will be 11am Monday, July 10, 2023 at Community United Methodist Church in Gilbert with Pastor Mary Lou Sixberry officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Military honors will be accorded by the Gilbert VFW Post with burial in the Gilbert Cemetery.  Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.

Bwana died Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Essentia Health – Virginia, Minnesota.

He was born February 3, 1950 in Virginia, Minnesota to John Jr. and Margaret (Ohman) Biondich.  Bwana was a graduate of Gilbert High School and later attended college.  He was proud to serve as a US veteran, stationed in Germany, during the Vietnam Conflict. 

Following his military service, he returned home to work at MinnTac as a Track Boss and most recently was an artist who designed prints for Hibbing T-shirt Factory.  He was a wonderful artist who enjoyed creating oil paintings, his favorite being “The Fiddler”.

Bwana was an avid hunter who along with his hunting buddies built a beautiful deer shack where they spent many deer seasons.  Fishing openers were enjoyed on Sand Lake, Cabin #7 for many years.

Survivors include his sister, Barbara Diane Peterson of Virginia and a sister-in-law, Janet Paavola.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Jr. and Margaret; brothers: Marty and Dennis Paavola; brother-in-law, Ron Peterson and a nephew, James Peterson.