John Henry Stieber Sr.

1936-2024

John H. Stieber Sr. of Kronenwetter, passed away on May 18th 2024, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau, leaving behind cherished family and friends.

John was born in Wausau, WI, to Otto and Laura (Murr) Stieber on June 15th 1936. At age 17, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, completing combat training on September 15th 1953 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He went on to serve in the Korean War as a Private First Class in the 2nd Marine Division, being honorably discharged July 14th 1955. For his service, he had the privilege to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on September 11th 2017 with his son Michael Stieber accompanying him as his guardian.

On June 29th 1957, John married the love of his life and soulmate, Janet Carol Novitzke. They were joined in matrimony for 67 wonderful years. They had the good fortune of having five devoted sons whom they considered a blessing to raise. John and Jan did everything together, deeply loved one another, unconditionally and complimented each other in every way. Saying John will be deeply missed by his wife, family, and all who knew him is an understatement.

John worked for Dubois Chemicals for 35 years and after retiring, started a Ginseng business with his sons Michael, James, and Gerald Stieber. With help from his brother Elroy Stieber, he built a house for him and his beloved wife. Their home became a fun-filled refuge, full of laugher and love, by being the epicenter for all significant family events and holidays.

John loved his sons and being a father to them. When they were growing up, he enjoyed taking them camping, teaching them how to shoot, fish, and hunt. John was incomparably proud of all of his sons. He never missed an opportunity to share a comical story involving one of his boys and their mischievous ways, even into their adulthoods. All five of his sons served in the military, continuing John's legacy of service.

John adored being a grandpa to his grandchildren whom he had a special bond with. When they were little, he loved to give tractor rides, helped catch snakes in the ginseng gardens, make them his special cinnamon toast, used magic spoons in the hot chocolate he made for them, and tucked them in every night when they slept over. When his grandchildren grew older, he helped one get their driver's license, visited them at their college dorm, nursed one back to health after a major car accident, changed flat tires, and explained to each one of them why they were unique. Every grandchild deserves a grandpa like John.

John loved to play poker, cribbage, and blackjack; fish at his favorite place, the Willow Flowage, hunt, and go camping. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, creating memories and stories that his loved ones will forever treasure.

John will be remembered for his calm, soft, and kind personality. His keen sense of humor which included the pranking of family and friends, especially his wife. John's unique and contagious laugh will never be forgotten.

John is survived by his wife, Janet Stieber; sons, Michael (Mary) Stieber, James (Lori) Stieber, Gerald (Amy Roloff) Stieber, John Jr. (Riza) Stieber, and Edward (Mikko Dela Rosa) Stieber; grandchildren, Timothy (Kristine) Wood, Melissa (John) Prendota, Maria (Nic) Bisgrove, Misty (Kevin Jyringi) Stieber, Robert Stieber, Jason (Anna Dalton) Stieber, and Sara (Craig) Stieber-Amundson; great grandchildren, Natalie Fisher, Jack Bisgrove, Amirah Stieber, and Kai Jyringi; siblings, Sylvia Hintz, Theresa Wohlford, and Julie (Jack) Froom; best friend, Jack Martino; nephew, Gerald (Susan) Van Kollenburg, plus many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Loretta Hamilton, Elroy Stieber, Marian Van Kollenburg, Ralph Stieber, Vernetta Lang, and Joan Schmidt.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 23rd 2024, at Mount Olive Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston WI. Visitation will start at 10:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM, with military honors at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon to follow.

There are no words to accurately describe how John will be immensely missed by his family and friends. He wanted his loved ones to remember him, not allow their grief to overcome them. We will honor John's wishes by continuing to live our lives to the fullest and holding our fondest memories of him close to our hearts forever. "Never worry about something you can't change." John Stieber.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS