John Bielawski Obituary

John C. Bielawski, 75, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Mina, SD. A celebration of John's life will be held in New York in late summer or early fall.

Arrangements are entrusted to Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street, Aberdeen, SD.

John C. Bielawski was born February 13, 1951, in Schenectady, NY, to Chester "Chet" and Mary (McCraith) Bielawski. He grew up in New York, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors, spending his childhood days trapping muskrat and adopting wild animals for pets while always having a dog by his side. An accomplished athlete, John played football and excelled in track and field, particularly pole vaulting. Years later, he proudly passed that passion on to his son Jonathan, whom he mentored and coached to a state track medal in pole vaulting. He graduated from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in 1969 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

John married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Saddlemire, and together they welcomed three children: Shannon, Shawn, and Shane.

John began his distinguished career at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, where he collaborated with leading scientists during a remarkable era of innovation at the GE Research Facility. He later earned his master's degree from Union College. A gifted nuclear engineer, John specialized in steam generators, turbines, and nuclear power systems. His work resulted in several published papers and patented inventions - achievements that reflected both his brilliant mind and his passion for discovery.

John later married Lisa Moody in Las Vegas, NV, and together they raised four children: Aubrey, Jonathan, Mary, and Meghan. After their youngest child, Meghan, was born, the family moved to Watertown, SD, where John worked at Midcom continuing research and development. They later returned to New York, where he served as a research engineer for Associated Ceramics & Technology, Inc. (ACT). Following retirement, John settled in Mobridge, SD, where he and his family owned and operated a hunting and fishing lodge - a fitting chapter for a man who loved the outdoors so deeply.

In recent years, John traveled extensively across the country, from California to Florida, New York, and back to South Dakota, always making time to attend his grandchildren's games, performances, and milestones. Nothing brought him greater pride than being present for their achievements.

John lived life boldly and with a sense of adventure. Among his many stories were memorable encounters with music legends, including spending a day with Joe Cocker and having Jimi Hendrix play guitar just for him. He loved fishing, trapping, boating, skiing on snow and water, playing pool and golfing. He had a special place in his heart for animals - especially dogs - and was rarely without a loyal companion by his side.

Above all else, John loved his family fiercely and spoke of them often and proudly. He delighted in sharing stories about each of his children and grandchildren with anyone willing to listen. He always shared that Shannon "played football better than any man he knew," Shawn as "the best mother any child could ask for and wiser about animals than any veterinarian," and Shane as a gentle soul whose kindness he deeply admired. He proudly declared that Aubrey was "smarter than any Wall Street mogul," called Jonathan his "best friend and favorite comedian," saw Mary as a loving yet fiercely protective mother with unshakable strength, and cherished Meghan as his joyful, giggling dreamer.

Though he celebrated them endlessly to others, he often reflected that he wished he had told them even more directly how proud he was. His love for them was constant, deep, and unwavering.

Grateful for having shared John's life are his children: Shannon (Todd) Hesnor, Shawn (Joseph) Thorpe, Shane (Bree) Bielawski, Aubrey (Marc) Bernard, Mary (Josiah) Barton, and Meghan Bielawski; seventeen grandchildren: Brendan, Kendall, and Erin Hesnor; Ryan (Corbett) Scimeca; Joey, Riley, and Kailey Thorpe; Ava and Lillian Bielawski; Claire and Matthew Bernard; Noah, Isaac, Hannah, and Leah Barton; and Oliver and Avery Syverson; three great-grandchildren: Zoey, Isla, and Lennox Scimeca; his brother, Ronald M. Bielawski (Eileen Wesley) of Glenville, NY; nephew Austin (JoJo) Bielawski; as well as aunts, uncles, one niece, and several cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Mary Bielawski, and his beloved son, Jonathan Bielawski.