John F. Pirog 1925 - 2008

PIROG, BONIFIELD

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 5/18/2019 at 12:06:44

Sioux City Journal
18 October 2008

SIOUX CITY -- John F. Pirog, 82, of Sioux City was taken home to heaven by angels Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, at a local senior living center surrounded by loving family.

Abiding by family wishes, cremation had taken place. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Private family graveside services will be at a later date.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, with the family present at 6 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary, at the funeral home.

Sioux City Journal
19 October 2008

SIOUX CITY -- John F. Pirog, Attorney at Law, 82, of Sioux City went to heaven on Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, surrounded by loving family, at a local senior living center.

It was John's wishes to be cremated. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Private family graveside services will be at a later date. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, with the family present at 6 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary service, at the funeral home.

John was born Nov. 18, 1925, in Sioux City, to Andrew and Pauline Pirog. He received his education at St. Francis Elementary, East Junior High and East High School. At the age of 17, after attending East High for a short time, he went to Portland, Ore., to work in the shipyards. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines on Nov. 20, 1943, where he spent 34 months overseas during World War II, and was honorably discharged on Aug. 21, 1946.

John returned to Sioux City, took his college entry exam and was accepted at Morningside College, where he completed his general studies. He attended Drake Law School in Des Moines and obtained his law degree in 1952. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in the JAG Division at Ft. Smith, Ark., during the Korean War as an instructor. John received his honorable discharge from the Army on July 29, 1954. He again returned to Sioux City, where he began his law practice.

John married Shirley Bonifield on Aug. 22, 1959, in Sioux City. He was proud to be an attorney in Sioux City for more than 50 years, practicing most of his career with Bill Gates, his partner. He was past president of the Woodbury County Bar Association and a member of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. John was a past member of St. Francis Parish, St. Casimir Parish and Nativity Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Sioux City; a daughter, Julie Nylen and her husband, Scott of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a son, John B. Pirog of California; a granddaughter, Jennifer Jay and husband, Bobby and Michael Nylen of Sioux City; great-granddaughters, Addison and Ashleigh; a sister, Josephine Mildenberger; and nieces and a nephew, Paula Connelly, Joe Mildenberger, Roxeanne Talbot and Mary Jo Thelen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph; and sister, Julia.

John was a good man and loved by all who met him. We will miss him.