John E. St. Peter

John Emery St. Peter, age 80, who many will remember as the manager of the former popular Port Washington Country Club, died Thursday, July 30, 2020, at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon, Wis. John, formerly of Belgium, Wis., for many years, had recently resided in Glendale.

As a young boy, John would be seen with a golf club in hand, hitting balls daily.  His love for the game of golf progressively increased as indicated in areas of leadership, friendships and accolades throughout his life.

John played in junior Wisconsin state golf tournaments and Wisconsin’s father-son state tournaments with his late father Clarence. During high school, John played on the Port Washington golf team for four years where he was honored to have played at the state level. He participated in the Wisconsin State Open, state amateur tournaments and the Cherryland Open in Sturgeon Bay.

While majoring in history at Lakeland College, John pursued his passion for golf as a four-year member of the college golf team and served as its captain. Coaching the junior varsity basketball team at Lakeland was an honor as well.

After the tragic death of his father Clarence, John managed the Port Washington Country Club along with his mother Maxine. Shortly thereafter, John became a PGA professional and held the office of chairman of the Wisconsin Junior Golf program. These endeavors continued as he coached the Northern Ozaukee High School golf team for eight years, accomplishing sectional honors and four conference championships.

The junior golf program at the Port Washington Country Club was initiated and enjoyed by John as it flourished for many years. During the winter season, John taught the basics of golf to many under the directorship of the Port Washington Recreation Department. The love of the game and the competitive passion led him to receive club championship honors for four years at the country club.

After the sale of the Port Country Club, John embarked on purchasing and managing a sporting goods business, Sportex, for six years. He then pursued a career in insurance sales, working as a vice president of the Equitable Stevens Group. He later worked as a sales manager for Prudential Insurance Co.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing with his sons and good friends. Many weekends were spent at off-road race tracks watching his son Jeff race.

 Born on Nov. 22, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wis.,  he was the son of Clarence and Maxine Emery St. Peter.

He married Sandra Hoeft at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Saukville, Wis., on Oct. 6, 1962.

He was a member of St. John XXIII Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church and the Port Washington Rotary Club. He served for 18 years on the Northern Ozaukee School Board, helped found the Snow Runners Snowmobile Club and served as its president.  John held the position of vice president of Superior Off-road Drivers Association (SODA) and represented the Village of Belgium on its planning commission.

John is survived by his three sons, Jeff (Mary) St. Peter of Port Washington, Jay St. Peter of West Bend and Scott (Debora) St. Peter of Cedarburg; grandchildren Drew (Ana), Ashley (fiance Jason), Lauren, Justin (fiance Sam), Savannah and Trevor St. Peter; his sister Barbara Casper of Phoenix, Ariz., as well as numerous cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sandy on Oct. 5, 2009, his daughter-in-law Tammy, grandparents Clement and May Emery and Fred and Sarah St. Peter, his parents Clarence and Maxine St. Peter, his in-laws Norman and Edna Hoeft, his sister Anne Paradise and his brother Frederick St. Peter.

As seen in his infectious smile and happy nature, it was quite apparent that John’s love for his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, was uppermost throughout his life.

A celebration of John’s life will take place with a Mass at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1802 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington, Wis.  The Rev. Patrick Wendt will be the celebrant.  

 Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Washington.

 Memorials to the American Cancer Society are appreciated.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.  Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.

The family wishes a heartfelt special thanks to all John’s caregivers, nurses and doctors over the past few years for their compassionate care. Thank you.

Covid-19 recommendations will be followed. Masks must be worn. Exercise social distancing. Thank you.