John L. Virant, 91, Retiree of U.S. Steel Mill
John L. Virant, 91 of Lorain died Monday, March 31, 2008 in his home following a brief illness.
He was born December 13, 1916 in Lorain. He was a lifelong resident.
Mr. Virant retired in 1977 as a cut off machine operator in the number 2 Seamless Pipe Mill at United States Steel, Lorain. He worked there for 44 years. He was an active member of the United Steel Workers, Local 1104, Lorain where he served as a Grievance Man. He was also a long time member of The Lorain Slovenian Home. He attended the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Lorain. Mr. Virant enjoyed fishing, hunting where he had a cabin on Kelleys Island for this purpose, and in Sheffield Lake years ago, gardening, his cars, and enjoyed auto racing.
He is missed by his wife Irene (nee Erdy) Virant, they would have celebrated their seventieth anniversary on May 15; his sons John D. Virant of Lorain and Michael J. (Janice) Virant of Summerville, South Carolina; grandchildren David Virant of Lorain, and Olivia and Ross Virant of Summerville and four step-grand children.
He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Mary (nee Epaveck) Virant, his sisters Mary Heyslinger and Olga Smith.
His family will receive friends Thursday 1:00 PM until time of a memorial service at 2:00 PM in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain. Rev. Carl J. Richter, Sr. Minister of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Lorain will officiate.