John Spodnik

John Spodnik, 93, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022. He was born in Benscreek, PA on August 12, 1929 to the late Michael and Anna Spodnik. He was preceded in death by siblings, Leo, Helen, Margaret, Michael, and James. After his time with the US Coast guard, John began working on his degrees from Cleveland State and Purdue where he then met his wife Mary during his co-op at GM and they began their life together on Valentine s Day in 1959. While the family grew with the additions of children Jennifer, Jeff, and Jason, John began his illustrious career in Golf Course and Turf Management. Eventually nicknamed the Sod Father John s contributions to his field were numerous as his career blossomed at Westfield Country Club. Mentoring, presenting, and innovating while applying his ever-present work ethic, John became a national leader in his craft that led to his presidency of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in 1969. Even though he received numerous honors throughout his career (including Distinguished Service and Tradition of Excellence awards), his true joy came from the people he was blessed to be able to impact throughout his life.
John, a man of perseverance and patience, will always be remembered as one of the kindest men of humility that one will ever meet who was always willing to give a helping hand no matter how big or small the task. Always ready to share a smile, he was an encouragement to all. He truly exemplified one of his favorite passages Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. Matthew 7:12)
John is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children Jennifer, Jeff (Lee), and Jason (Lisa) as well as grandchildren Kenzie, Margaret, John, Kyle, and Emily and numerous nieces and nephews.
Please share condolences and memories with the family on John s guestbook page at www.waitefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Life s Treasures Hospice (317 South Court Street, Medina, OH), Medina Church of Christ (295 Forest Meadows Drive Medina Ohio 44256, or Make-a-Wish, Make-a-Wish.
Visitation is 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, where funeral services will take place at 12:30 p.m. Interment will take place for the family at Westfield Cemetery, Westfield Center Ohio.
Online condolences may be left at www.waitefuneralhome.com.