John W. Stark's Obituary
John W. Stark
June 2, 1936 – June 2, 2025
John W. Stark, age 89, passed away at home in Oshkosh, WI, on June 2, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born in Middletown, OH on June 2nd, 1936. The Stark family lived in Middletown until 1951 and spent each summer in Wisconsin at the Stark cottage on Lake Winnebago. They moved to Appleton in 1951, and John graduated from Appleton West High School in 1954. He enlisted in the USAF and spent 4 years at Malmstrom Air Base in Great Falls, Montana as a surveyor.
After discharge, John returned to Wisconsin and enrolled at UWO. While attending UWO, John met the woman he treasured, Patricia Piepenburg. In 1960 they married and had two children, Pamela Sue and Bradley Donald. John and Pat celebrated 64 years of marriage on October 29, 2024.
John spent part of his career working for J.I. Case Garden Tractor Division for 19 years, starting with inventory control and working up to V.P. of Marketing. He then joined the Wisconsin Independent Business Association as the Northeast Sales Rep. for 18 years.
Heading into their retirement years John and Pat had a goal to golf all 50 states. They enjoyed many road trips and were able to accomplish this goal. Their favorite trip was six weeks in Alaska. They also spent many winters in Gulf Shores, AL with a great group of friends.
John is survived by his sister, Marianne Berenz; wife Pat, children Pam (Joe) Peyer, Brad (Wendy) Stark; granddaughters Brianna Peyer (Kyle) Kleitsch, Briel Peyer (John) Brugger, Brittany Peyer, Bailey Stark (Kyle) Sandvold and Sydney Stark; great grandchildren Alyce and Harper Kleitsch, Emmy and Claire Brugger and Sawyer Sandvold.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister Donna Stark and great grandson Graham Kleitsch.
John will still be riding his bike in his next life and planting beautiful gardens.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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