Sigwart left his mark on city as official, volunteer

John Sigwart, who served as a Port Washington alderman, director of public works and was active in civic matters throughout his life, died Tuesday, Aug. 5, at his Port Washington home. He was 80.

He was an influential voice in the city, supporting causes as varied as downtown revitalization and infrastructure improvements while keeping an eye out for taxpayers and supporting residents.

He spoke out about issues facing the city, from the public safety building to a proposed microchip factory, and after revealing last year that officials had signed a nondisclosure agreement with a company considering building a chip production facility in Port, was stripped of his committee assignments by Mayor Ted Neitzke. 

An alderman since 2017, Sigwart opted last year not to seek another term in office, citing his ongoing battle with cancer and his relationship with Neitzke.

At his last Common Council meeting in April, Sigwart said, “The truth of the matter is I’ve enjoyed my eight years with the city and I know I’m going to miss it. I’d like to say to the mayor I’d like to continue to serve in some fashion. Keep that in mind. If there’s a place that needs a volunteer, I’d like to do it.”

He was lauded by officials, including City Administrator Melissa Gossett, who told him, “You certainly have left a mark here on the city — being here, living here, working here, playing here and serving the community for over 50 years. Fifty years — that’s a legacy. You’ve helped shape the city and we appreciate that.”

Sigwart was the Port Washington director of public works from 1972 to 1978, then worked as an engineer in the private sector, retiring from Miller Engineers and Scientists in Sheboygan.

He ran unsuccessfully for alderman in 2011 and mayor in 2012. 

Sigwart  was also an active member of  the community and a longtime member of the Greater Port Washington Kiwanis Club. He was credited with starting events such as the popular Chili Bowl sponsored by the Kiwanis and was active in activities such as the former Maritime Heritage Festival.

Funeral arrangements are pending through Eernisse Funeral Home.