John M. Pendzimaz, age 79, of Rockford, passed away Saturday evening, September 27th, 2025. He was born November 26th, 1945, in Minneapolis to parents Anthony "Tony" and Shirley (Ditty) Pendzimaz.

He grew up in Crystal, MN, where he attended Saint Raphael Catholic School during his elementary years and graduated in 1963 from Benilde-St. Margaret High School in St. Louis Park, MN.

John served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Yellowstone. Later he became a proud member of "The 50-Year Club" for the Minnesota Association of Realtors with being the broker and owner of Real Estate Marketing Inc. Although his days were filled with meetings and showings, he never missed a sporting event for his daughters.

He loved his dogs, birds, garden, and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed spending time at the family cabins in Osakis, MN and Alexandria, MN. This is where he loved fishing with Angie growing up – they would catch the walleyes and give them all away, all because he didn't want to clean them. Although he would never turn down a rare steak with lots of fat and anything with extra gravy. When not at the cabin, he enjoyed family trips to the ocean. He was notorious for asking the question, "Are you done yet?" each time Annie practiced her beautician skills being his hairdresser. He was always entertained on the casino floor, especially with his two favorites: roulette and keno.

John is survived by his daughters, Angie Rieke of Rockford and Annie Joki of Plymouth; his sister, Jamie Lindquist of Zimmerman; 3 grandchildren: Chase Joki, Jack Joki, and William Rieke; his nephews and niece: Charles "Duke" Bassford, Luke Steffens, Alex Steffens, Allie Patrin, Tony Steffens; his special uncle, "Unc" Wayne Ditty aka "The Meanest Man in the World"; and many cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Wayne Lindquist.

Join us for John Pendzimaz's Celebration of Life at the Wayzata American Legion on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 3:00-5:00. Memorials are preferred to the family.