John A. Pethan 69, of Kohler died peacefully on Sunday morning September 11, 2016 with his loving family at his side. He was born in Appleton, WI on March 7, 1947, son of the late Robert & Alice (Roehrig) Pethan. John was raised in Kiel, WI where he attended SS Peter & Paul Catholic School and was a 1965 graduate of Kiel High School. John enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1966. He attended "Air University" where he received his certification to perform duties as SGT, Flight Chief. He proudly served his country for 4 years as a Flight Chief working on T-33 airplanes at Richards-Gebaur Air Base in Missouri. During his second tour he met the love of his life, Joyce.
On March 14, 1970 he was united in marriage to Joyce Luginbill at the United Methodist Church in Seneca, Kansas by Pastor Max Stillwell and Fr. Leo of St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Seneca.
John was a dedicated employee of Kohler Company. He worked for many years as an Engine Lab Tech until his retirement in April 2015. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Kohler Police Athletic League, the Kohler Fire Dept (Social Member) and served as a Kohler Village Trustee for many years until April of 2016. John was an active member of the Kohler Boy Scouts, serving as scoutmaster for 10 years, and was a committee member of Bay Lakes Council Eagle Scout Advancement Board. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, taking countless family photos, hunting with friends, fixing cars and being a great overall handyman. As a supporter of the Athletic Booster Club, John also thoroughly enjoyed taking part in all Kohler youth sports and activities, especially announcing for the baseball team.
Survivors include his wife; Joyce, his children; Sarah Pethan, Sheboygan Falls, Alexander (Marivic) Pethan, Saudi Arabia, Zachary (Erin) Pethan, Kohler and his grandchildren; Walter & Annette Pethan, Casper Pethan. He is further survived by his siblings; Jane Pethan, special friend, Don Glick, Jean (Peter) DeTroye, both of Kiel, Diane (Marvin) Mangan, Green Bay, David (Karen) Pethan, Karen (Mark) Miller, both of Kiel. John is further survived by his mother-in-law; Mavis Luginbill, sisters-in-law; Ruby Dyer, Ponca City, OK, Roberta Luginbill, Penny Kramer, both of Lawrence, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Alice, his father-in-law; William Luginbill, brother-in-law; Bill Dyer Sr., nephews; Bill Dyer & Eric DeTroye.
Funeral Mass for John will be celebrated at 1:00PM on Saturday September 17, 2016 at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church (600 Green Tree Rd., Kohler) with Fr. Robert Lotz Officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church on Saturday from 10:00am until 12:45 when we will have brief family rites before Mass.
John's family would like to thank Dr. Steven Kream and nurses and staff at Aurora Sheboygan Clinic along with all the nurses and staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all the care and compassion shown to John and his family.
A memorial has been established in his name.