John J. A. Porvasnik, of Rapid City, made his journey to heaven on Sunday, September 14th, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. This amazing man was born in Westlake Ohio, on February 15th, 1942, to John and Helen Porvasnik. As a young man, he lived in Ohio with his parents and three sisters. There he attended and graduated from St. Edwards High School. As a young man, he served in the United States Navy for six years. During this time he was aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga, and served on active duty in the Vietnam War. While in the Navy he continued his education, graduating from dental school in 1963. He lived in California for a number of years, where he was surrounded by love with his adopted family there. With this education he moved to SD where he worked 30 years as a dental lab technician for IHS. After retiring from IHS, he continued his career at ABCKO dental lab. On April 8th, 1978, he married the love of his life, Shelly Petit. Married for 30 years, together they celebrated the lives of four children and five grandchildren. Being the incredible husband, father, and grandfather that he was, he brought love, wisdom and joy to his whole family. Among the many things he enjoyed were fishing, gardening, and grilling, though he loved spending time with his family the most. All of which he passed down to his family. He is survived by his loving wife Shelly, his four children; Joslin and her husband Ken Wilson, John, Jolene, and Joanna; his grandchildren, Andrew, Autumn, Ali, and AJ Wilson and Landyn Porvasnik. He is also survived by his three sisters; Mary Ellen Goudreau of California, Rosemary Piar of Ohio, and Maria Doherty of Texas. He will also be remembered and missed by the other sixteen members of his extended family. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. John J. A. Porvasnik was truly a wonderful man. He had a beautiful, caring heart that was always full of laughter. He had a wondrous sense of humor, and could make anyone laugh no matter how they were feeling. Whenever anyone needed help, he gave it to them. If he was in your life, he touched it. We are all lucky to have had him in our lives. He will be greatly missed. All services will be held at St. Therese Church, located at 532 Adams St. Visitation will be held 6-7pm with wake service following on Wednesday, September 17th. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 18th at 10am. Heaven is in the hearts you leave behind. The more people who loved you, the more hearts will hold your memory.