John E. Kertscher

John E. Kertscher of Fredonia, Wis., passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the age of 81, at his home after a short battle with cancer.

He was born April 1, 1943, the son of Wilmer and Anne (nee Stadler) Kertscher.

John attended Fillmore grade school and then Kewaskum High School.

In his early years, he worked with his father on the family business, whitewashing and running the sawmill.

He met his beloved wife Judith Ann (nee Neumann) and they married on March 4, 1967.

John and Judy moved to Fredonia to begin their life together, working hard on their dairy farm. One of John’s greatest accomplishments was building his home and farm with his own hands. He was a hardworking man his entire life and loved his family more than anything in the world.

Some things he loved to do were hunting and fishing, watching the Green Bay Packers play and nature in general. He loved his cat, Whiskers.

John is survived by his wife Judith Ann (nee Neumann) Kertscher; sons Jeffrey John (Michele) Kertscher of Ishpeming Mich., and Jody Thomas (Jennifer) Kertscher of Kewaskum, Wis.; daughter Jackie Lynn (Suleiman) Bashabsheh of Saukville Wis.; grandchildren Brandon (Patricia) Kertscher, Samantha (Mario) Alilovic, Christina (Gabriel) Lewis, Melissa (fiancée Alex) Kertscher, Courtney (Shane) Henry, Cody Emanuelson, Katie Emanuelson, Joshua and Kathryn Kertscher, Anthony (Joalis) Davis, Eric (fiancée Delicity) Davis, and Jasmine and Dreyden Cannon; great-grandchildren Brayden, Hunter and Ryleigh.

He is further survived by siblings Jerry (Susie) Kertscher, Judy (Bob) Piaro, Donald “Butch” (Marilyn) Kertscher; brothers and sisters-in-law Janice (Richard) Bartelt, Thomas (Patti) Neumann and Tim (Pam) Neumann; many other nieces; nephews; family members and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Wilmer and Anne (nee Stadler) Kertscher, father-in-law Charles (Ruth) Neumann, mother-in-law Dorothy (nee Fischer) (Jerry) Kissinger and sister-in-law Jean Kraft (Neumann).

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at Phillip Funeral Home, 1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend.

Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.

Our family would like to thank all the caring staff of Grafton Aurora medical complex and the wonderful hospice team for their compassion and keeping John comfortable.

Phillip Funeral Home, 262-338-2050

www.phillipfuneralhome.com