John Pruden

Munising

John Craig Pruden, age 79, of Munising, died peacefully in his sleep following a lengthy illness on Saturday morning, July 25, 2026. He was born on October 6, 1946 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the second son to the late Merlin “Jim” and Elizabeth “Liz” (Briggs) Pruden. John grew up in Royal Oak and Posen and graduated from Posen High School in 1964. John was an incredibly gifted artist. He painted extensively, both natural landscapes and abstract designs. He was known for creating beautiful and unique wax sculptures and candles throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

John met and married Mary Katherine “Kathi” Williamson and together formed a partnership of their creativity traveling across the country for art shows and owning their own studio. Growing up in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement, John was progressive, inclusive, and always outspoken about social justice. He was an environmental activist who was nationally published and his writings led him around the country and to the Washington DC/ White House on numerous occasions. John’s command of language allowed his writings to be descriptive, persuasive, and emotional. He was a talented and gifted man and was surrounded by influential, remarkable, and intelligent people. John and Kathi moved to Munising about twenty years ago and reopened their art studio, Studio North. He also served as editor for the Munising News for many years. Lastly, John sincerely enjoyed his time driving the bus for Altran. He loved meeting and helping his passengers. Above all, John was the consummate outdoorsman. He lived to fish on the Great Lakes and spent countless seasons hunting in the woods of Northern Michigan. The beauty in nature was at the very core of his being and the source of his spiritual and connection to source and God.

John is survived by his wife and partner – Kathi Pruden; daughter – Janny (Julian “Gary”) Palmer IV; granddaughter – Julian Gary Palmer V; siblings – Marsha (Joe) Hoppe, Dave (Kathy) Pruden, and Judy Van Dusen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents – Jim and Liz Pruden; his son – Matthew John Pruden who died on July 9, 2007; and his brother – Tom Pruden, all whom he missed and loved dearly.