John “Jack” Meinhardt died peacefully in his home on June 26, 2019, at the age of 87. Jack was born on Oct. 10, 1931, in New London. He graduated from Clintonville Senior High and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in metallurgic engineering. He married the love of his life, Lorna Stoik, on Dec. 20, 1954. Jack’s career as a metallurgist spanned over 40 years, working on the East Coast, Indiana and Wisconsin, eventually retiring from Wisconsin Centrifugal/MetalTec. His family remembers his passion and dedication to his wife, children and family as well as the pride he took in his work.
Jack was passionate about preserving the lake he grew up on and was instrumental in starting the Long Lake Association in 1977. Jack loved to fish and enjoyed spending time on the water. He and Lorna moved back up to Shawano in 2015 and spent their days watching the birds and wildlife on the Shawano Lake channel. Jack was a lifelong Packers fan and was especially proud of his Brett Favre memorabilia collection. Jack was an active member of the Republican Party of Shawano County and enjoyed sparring with his daughter-in-law about politics. Jack had a great sense of humor, was quick to a smile and loved to talk to his family and friends.
Jack is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lorna; children, Kristine, John (Karl), Katherine and Ken (wife Amy, special step-grandchildren Elias and Lorelei); sister-in-law, Elaine, and many nieces, nephews and other family, as well as his special friends and caregivers, Amy Olson, Dawn Papendorf, Mary DuBois and Gwen Porter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Meinhardt, and brothers, Merryl and James.
A private service for the family is being planned.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Shelter, 380 Lakeland Road, Shawano, WI 54166.
The family would like to thank Amy Olson, Dawn Papendorf, Mary DuBois and Gwen Porter for their tireless support and care of Jack and Lorna. A special thank you to ThedaCare Hospice services and the dedication and love of their in-home nurses.