JOHN J. NERAT, 90, of Wallace, MI, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at his home. John was born on September 3, 1935, in Menominee, MI, to the late John F. and Constance “Tess” (Wirhanowicz) Nerat. He was a 1953 graduate of Stephenson High School. On February 11, 1956, John married Darlene Shampo at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Stephenson. John worked as a supervisor for Ansul and retired after 40 plus years. He farmed and owned/operated Dar & Jon’s Bar in Wallace alongside his wife. John enjoyed hunting and making maple syrup, going to camp with family and friends, playing cards, listening to polkas and he always had a project started. He was a hard worker and seldom sat still. John was very proud of his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include 4 children: John “JR” (Tracy) of Wallace, MI and their children: Jordan (Hayley), Joshua (Madison) , and Ashley Nerat, granddaughter-in-law, Maria Nerat; Diane (Dan) Turcotte of Wallace, MI, and their children: Rachel (Dan) Bugaris, Kate (Ryan) Goddard, and Chase (Autumn) Turcotte; Darnece (Terry) Unti of Wallace, MI, and their children: Darrina Unti and Erik (Jackie) Unti; and Jason (Colleen) Nerat of Brookfield, WI; and their children: Annabel and Quinton Nerat. Great-grandchildren: Monroe Nerat, Estelle and Edith Nerat, Whitney, Laurel, and Preston Goddard, Lydia and Kallen Turcotte, Skyler Lannoye, Sabella, Daxton, and Cordelia Unti. Brothers: Joseph Nerat of Menominee and Bob Nerat of Wallace, sister: Connie (Jim) Kewley of Menominee, and sister-in-law: Susan Shea of De Pere.
John was preceded in death by his wife, parents, grandson, John R. Nerat, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Al & Mildred Shampo, brothers-in-law, Donald (Sharon) Shampo and Michael Shea, and sisters-in-law, Bobbi Nerat, and Judy Nerat.
Visitation for John will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Birch Creek from 9:00 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Father Jins Joseph officiating. Burial will be in Birch Creek Cemetery in the spring. Anderson Diehm Funeral Home is assisting the Nerat family with arrangements.
