John Michael Milonski, 83, of West Monroe, Louisiana passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, May 30, 2025.  He is survived by his wife, Ruth Milonski; his sons, John Nathan Milonski (Laura) and Jeff Milonski (Charlotte); his granddaughter, Holly Milonski; his sisters, Felicia Fuchs and Elaine Milonski; his brother, David Milonski; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John Michael Bleyer Paul Milonski was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 6, 1942 to Zdzislaw Bozemier (Sonny) and  Marya Anna (Marie) Milonski.  He graduated from Missouri Valley College in Business Management, where he received the Wall Street Journal National Achievement Award.  During his collegiate career, he was a standout athlete on both the football and track & field teams.

He served his country with distinction as a sergeant in the US Army during the Vietnam War, and then returned to St. Louis where he married his wife, Ruth on March 11, 1967.

He began his professional career at The Container Corporation of America in St. Louis, MO, and then transferred to New Jersey where his sons were born.  In 1979, he moved with his family to Monroe, Louisiana to begin work at The Olinkraft Corporation. He continued to work for Olinkraft for almost 30 years in its many iterations.  He retired in 2007 as the Technical Services Director for Graphic Packaging International.  He also served on the Board of Directors for Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc.

Throughout his life, John was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed fishing, and especially waterfowling.  This is the aspect that most will remember about him.  He began duck hunting at the age of 5 and continued throughout his life, a passion he passed along to both of his sons.

Above all, John loved his family, and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of St. Francis Medical Center.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s honor to the Mike Milonski Wetlands Complex via the Missouri Department of Conservation or K9s For Warriors.

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