John Pesik Sr.
John Joseph Pesik, age 95 passed away Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua.
John was born May 4, 1922 in Dilly, Wisconsin to Rudolph and Elizabeth (Stanek) Pesik. He married Doris Dorschied on November 22, 1943 in Dell, and they had 6 children.
In 1942 John enlisted in the Navy, where he served for 6 years in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Mideast during WWII. John served as a Volunteer Fireman for the Hillsboro Fire Department for many years
During his 50s, John taught himself to play the banjo, which led to forming a musical group with Brother-in-law Virgil Sebranek and Sister-in Law Becky Winters. They called themselves “The In Laws” and they entertained family and friends, neighbors, community groups, and nursing homes for many years.
John retired in 1984, after working more than 30 years for Dairyland Power Cooperative. He had a long and very enjoyable retirement. He took up wood working and created beautiful heirloom cradles, cabinets, tables and toy boxes for children and grandchildren. John and Doris spent their retirement years enjoying their family taking trips, hosting family celebrations and creating special memories for their grandchildren.
One of John’s best experiences and memories was his participation in the Freedom Honor Flight on May 12, 2012. Seeing the monuments and hearing the respect displayed by hundreds of people in Washington DC was a special memory.
John is survived by his children, Sandie Howard of La Farge, John Jr. (Deb) Pesik of Hillsboro; Monty (Robert) Clark of Valley; Richard Pesik and Linda Bradish of Chandler, AZ; Steven (Maureen) Pesik of Stoughton; Paula (Dennis/Sam) Stanek of Onalaska; two sisters, Margaret of Westchester, IL, and Adeline of Clear Lake, IA; one brother, Eddie of Yakima, WA; one Sister-in-law, Becky Winter of La Farge; 14 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren; 4 great, great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who were an important part of his life.
He was preceded in death by: his wife of nearly 60 years Doris; his parents; a son-in-law Tom Howard and a daughter-in law, Peggy Pesik; his brothers, Bill, Jim, Rudy, Bob and Bernard; a sister Albina; Sisters-in-law: Christine Pesik, Eleanor Pesik, Doris Pesik, Penny Pesik, Anne Pesik; Joan Dorschied, Joyce Sebranek, and Darlene Copus; Brothers-in-law: Bill Dorschied, Virgil Sebranek, George Tunks, James (Bud) Copus; Frank Paul; Merlin Floy and Frank Tomecek.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Bethel Home, and Dr. Sedgewick of the La Farge Clinic, who took such wonderful care of Dad for the last three years. Thank you to Dr. DeLine for his invaluable understanding and guidance for Dad’s care and quality of life over the years. A special thanks to Bonita (Toots) Dorschied, whose love, continuous support and spiritual guidance holds our family together. May our circle be unbroken.
A celebration of John’s life, with military honors, will be held Friday, July 21 at 5:00 pm at the Free Methodist Church in La Farge, with Bonita Dorschied officiating. Friends may call at the church from 3:00 pm until time of service. A lite supper will follow. Memorials may be made to the Freedom Honor Flight, PO Box 505, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 54602-0505, or a charitable organization of your choice.
Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of La Farge is serving the family.
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