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Check, John F.
John F. Check passed away at the Sanford Medical Center on June 5, 2013 in Vermillion, SD, at the age of 91. He was the youngest son of Joseph and Valeria (Kiezewski) Check; the husband of Teckla (Kurzinski) Check; and the father of Gregory, Deborah, Patricia and John David.
John was born on the family farm outside Rosholt, WI August 22, 1921. Eschewing the agricultural life, he started his teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse while still in his teens. Because he so enjoyed the field of education, he sought to advance himself by teaching at different schools, going on to earn a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1959.
John taught at the University of Michigan-Flint for seven years before coming in 1966 to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he taught for over 20 years. In 1969, he received the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Distinguished Teaching Award, and was named to the Outstanding Educators of America in 1970. He was sought after for speeches and seminars and wrote a number of articles published in scholarly educational journals.
For nearly 60 years John led his own dance band, producing numerous recordings on 78s, LP albums and CDs. He wrote over 200 compositions in the polka/waltz idiom, with his first, the "Two Eddies Polka," being recorded by numerous bands. Works of his have been placed in the Mills Music Library of the Wisconsin State Archives and in archives of the National Music Museum in South Dakota. One of his CDs received honorable mention in the folk music category and was acquired by the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
John received many accolades for his musical avocation including the Concertina Hall of Fame in 1981, the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1991, and the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. First with the Michigan Dutchmen, then later with the Wisconsin Dutchmen, he appeared on a weekly TV show for more than a decade. He also hosted a radio show at various stations featuring "the best in recorded polka music".
Knowing he would miss his dear friends in Wisconsin, he chose to move to Vermillion in 2009, to be closer to his daughter, Debbie. While in Vermillion, he continued to entertain people with his music and would often serve as a reader at St. Agnes Church.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Teckla in 1988. He is survived by his son, Gregory of Cambridge, MA; his daughter, Deborah Reeves of Vermillion, SD; his daughter, Patricia of Oshkosh, WI; his son, John David of Warrensburg, MO; and grandchildren, Adam of Charlestown, MA; and Brendan of Los Angeles, CA.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church in Vermillion, SD, Monday 7:00 p.m., preceded by visitation at the church at 6:00. In Oshkosh, WI, a funeral Mass will be at St. Raphael's church Thursday June 13, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m., with burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery
Funeral arrangements in Vermillion are by Hansen Funeral Home, and in Oshkosh by Fiss and Bills Poklasny Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to St. Agnes or St. Raphael's Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Check was my teacher at Oshkosh. I owe him a big thank you for my successful teaching career and love of music.
Bob Garfinkel
Student
March 15, 2020
I was proud to know Dr. Check and help with his radio shows. He was a great friend and I miss him greatly. Rest in peace, my friend.
Jeffrey Mulvey
November 17, 2013
John was my mother-in-law's cousin, truly loved and respected by the whole family. Rest in peace. You brought much happiness to a lot of people.
Susan Langfeldt
June 16, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family of John Check. I was a student of his in the Gabe Green one-room school house and have many fond memories, including our daily music sessions when he played his concertina and we all sang along. Also, he was my second cousin (my grandmother was Catherine Check).
Marlene Stanke
June 14, 2013
I too was with the band in the early 70's. I never could think of Dr. Check, nor will I ever think of Dr. Check, without a smile coming to my face. Count off Harv!!
Dick Wehner
June 11, 2013
Enjoyed many memories playing off and on with Dr. Check and the Wisconsin Dutchmen for 35 years. Keep playing Dr. Check.
Don Hale
June 9, 2013
Dr. Check was a man of faith, music, and education. He also could tell a good story. God has Blessed him, and i believe, will bless him by playing in Heaven's polka band.
Larry Muehrer
June 9, 2013
He lived a long and full life, and I was proud to be a member of his band for over a decade. Rest in Peace, Dr. Check. Great teacher, great man, great musician.
Tim Morrissey
June 9, 2013
Will be missed.Funny today was driving to work and hit a button on the radio and it was a polka station and thought of your dad right away.
John Kurzinski
June 8, 2013
I am deeply saddened by John's passing. I often listened to him on weekends on Radio Station WTKM in Hartford Wisconsin. He will be remembered as one of the most well known Polka Musicians of all time. I wish to extend my very deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire Family of John Check. May he forever rest in peace, and may perpetual light forever shine upon him. God's Speed, John.
George Bongert
June 8, 2013
We wish to send our sympathy to the family of John Check. Thanks to him for all the great music. His life will live on listening to his many CD's that we have.
Robert Ciesielczyk
June 8, 2013
you made many people happy with many happy memories of your music
joan case
June 8, 2013
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