John Joseph Poncek
1936-2023
John Joseph Poncek, 86, of Westboro, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 with family at his side, at his home where he was also born and lived his entire life. John fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease for 23 years. A memorial service/celebration of life will be planned and announced more toward spring. John was born Nov. 1, 1936 to Bruno and Josephine (Kolodziejczyk) Poncek. He attended Westboro Schools. On June 3, 1967 John married the love of his life, Prentice native Geraldine (Bleck) Poncek who survives along with daughters, Joan (Jason) Steliga, Cynthia (Jay) Thums, Kris Poncek, Kimberly Poncek (Orlando), Karyn (Brad) Gebert; as well as grandchildren, Mariah, Hope, Jayden, Sonora, Nicholas, Mattie, Jolie, Kella, and Orlando.
John was a kind hearted, good natured, hard working man who always had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and was loved by many. He worked on road construction, at Omark Industries/Prentice Hydraulics, and eventually took over the family dairy farm and farmed 40 plus years. John was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Prentice, a past member of the Westboro Sportsman’s Club, and a supervisor for the Town of Westboro.
John loved his family, loved his friends and loved to Polka. He also very much enjoyed joking around, his Pontiac cars, Johnny Cash music, sporting events, his 350 tractor, hunting, snowmobiling and family gatherings. It brought John immense joy to be surrounded by family, extended family and friends while reminiscing old stories, creating new memories, and embracing family traditions.
Other survivors include sisters Margaret Boyd, Evangeline Culbertson, and Julia Kampa. In-laws Judy (Fred) Heizler, Janice (Allan) Niemi, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by grandsons, Jay Rolland and Edwin John Thums; an infant brother, Jan; and other siblings, Nellie (Merwin) Krause, Bernice (Paul) Johnson, Joseph (Eleanor) Poncek, Mary (John) Korienek, Sophie Poncek, Anna (Harold) Wennerstrand, Betty (Leroy) Lennartz; nieces, Margaret Scharski, Donna Congemi, Jackie and Ellen Poncek; nephews, Henry Krause, Donald Sliwa, Bernard and Edward Poncek; father and mother-in-law Gerald and Rose Bleck; and brothers-in-law, George Sliwa, Roy Kampa, Tom Culbertson, Thomas and Daniel Bleck.
John’s family wishes to extend a huge thank you to everyone who ever assisted in his care in any way, especially Hope Hospice and all those associated. Their compassion and dedication was exceptional.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS.
Paid Obituary 132272
