John I. Vlossak

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Lawrence University

John Vlossak Obituary

Vlossak, John I.

John Innocent Vlossak departed this mortal coil on Feb. 13, 2015, at home and surrounded by his family, after 91 well-lived years.

Born in Palmerton, PA, he grew up in eastern Pennsylvania. John served in the Army during WWII as a lab technician in the 142nd General Hospital unit in Calcutta, India. After the war, he attended St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, majoring in Chemistry and developing his lifelong passion for the theater. In a Latrobe soda shop, John met the love of his life, Doris Jean Latanzio. The couple had 2 children, Mark and Terry. In 1959, John took a job as a metal plating chemist for Ultra Plating, where he developed three patents for chrome plating wire cloth used to make paper. Appleton Wire Works offered John a job in their lab in 1961, where he was instrumental in developing new methods to weave, plate and join wire cloth as well as educate and market it.

John's interests were many and varied. He acted in plays with Attic Theatre, where he was a noted character actor. John loved to garden and admired Japanese style so much, he built a Zen garden on his patio. John had a passion for wine, and parlayed that into a wine appreciation class at Fox Valley Technical College. An early member of the Society of Wine Educators, he was the first American to receive their Lifetime Achievement Award. John became a member of son Mark's St. Innocent Winer Board of Directors, in 1988. John made annual treks to Oregon to work the harvest.

After retiring from Appleton Wire/Albany International in 1990, John consulted as a metallurgist. He supported the development of the History Museum at the Castle, and the Paper Discovery Center where he volunteered as a docent. He and Dot travelled often to Europe, and John skied in Colorado until his 87th year.

In 2011, John and Dot moved to Salem, OR, where he continued his passion for wine and gardening.

John I. Vlossak is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dot; son, Mark (Vickianne), daughter, Terry (Chuck), "adopted" daughter, Meg (John), his granddaughters, Emma (Trevor), Anne, Makenzie, Katherine (Josh), grandson, James and great-grandsons, Luke and Will.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Stansbury Theatre in the Music Drama Center on the Lawrence University campus on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in John's name to the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent on Feb. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Vlossak

7 Entries

Timothy Mason

March 3, 2015

John, I will miss you very much. I still have that wood car you made me (I helped... Sort of), it's still in pristine condition, when I look at it I'll think of you. When I look through that microscope ill think of your kind nature, and when I walk along the banks of a pond I'll remember sailing your sailboat with you. Goodbye John, I will miss you.

Sibby Mason

March 1, 2015

I am thinking of you all today and remembering your father with love.

Terri Wirth

February 26, 2015

My kids and I will always have fond memories of Jack as he enriched our lives with thought provoking questions, his ever fascinating garden, his words of encouragement and warm scones served in the backyard. He was a lovely man, husband, father and friend. Our hearts go out to Dot, Mark, Terry and their families.

Dan & Bette McIntosh

February 25, 2015

Meeting John for the first time in the early 1970s and then as an across-the-street neighbor in the mid 1980s he is fondly remembered by us as a class "act" in every good sense of the word. Always interested and interesting with a delightful style all his own. We offer our heartfelt sadness to the family, especially Dot, Terry and Mark, on the loss of such a genuine and inspirational gentleman.

February 25, 2015

Dear Dot, Mark and Terry,
I want you to know that your dad was one of my favorite people of all my parent's friends. Both he and your mom were always fun and engaged with all of us no matter what activity we were faced with...and there were a few unusual ones such as mushroom hunting and last minute picnics in who knows where. I will miss him greatly. Love, Sudie

John Wilson Jr

February 25, 2015

I sailed with John on the Chicago Mackinaw race on my fathers boat and many times afterword. He was always a joy to be around and considerate of all others. (although he snored in the fore cabin where we both slept.
He later both acted and directed a play I was in with him in Green Bay " The skin of our Teeth." He was a wonderful generous director and spirit. I have and will think of him often.

Gretchen & Terry Bambrick

February 25, 2015

Truly a Renaissance man and much beloved by his neighbours and friends. He will be greatly missed! Our love and condolences to Dot, Terry and Mark. Gretchen & Terry Bambrick.

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