12/30/2025
The Newton and Ransom communities came together this past week to mourn one of our own, John Buranich IV. There are times when a loss is so sudden and untimely that all we know to do is gather as one in order to surround grieving parents, siblings, and extended family and friends with support and love.
There is a quote that says "Real empathy is sometimes not insisting that it will be okay, but acknowledging that it is not." The people who came didn't arrive with clichéd words of sympathy. These were people showing up and telling Johnny's family that they won't let them walk this path alone.
We saw that time and again these past couple days as close to a thousand people of all ages and walks of life gathered to pay their respects to his family....as a multitude of trucks, busses, and other vehicles gathered for a procession that spanned the area...as people cried, laughed, hugged, told stories, wrote memories, sent pictures, and gave gifts and flowers...as church and community volunteers asked "How can we help? Just tell us what to do." We wish we could thank each one, but don't want to miss anyone. We also know that those people didn't do it for the recognition.
Our hearts are still broken for the Buranich family and every person who loved John and we know that yours are, too. We hope you know, though, what a tribute your words and actions were to him, to his family, and to this community. Thank you for showing up in the best way possible.
