John Kroetz

John Kroetz, age 83, passed peacefully to his field of dreams on Friday, July 1, 2016. He was born on November 24, 1932 in Madison and was the son of Oliver and Meta (Kessler) Kroetz. He grew up on the east side of Madison and graduated from Sun Prairie High School. John met his love, Joan Batz, at a Groundhog Day Dance at Forester Hall in Sun Prairie. He and Joan had a great appreciation for music and enjoyed dancing together. He served our country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return, he married Joan on June 23, 1956 at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Sun Prairie and raised 10 children. John worked at ABS-WR Grace for 38 years. Following retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and pursuing his favorite pastimes. John was a dedicated coach of youth football, basketball and baseball. He touched many lives with his passion for sports. Many called him "Coach K". He was a proud hardworking gardener and avid fisherman. John loved spending time with his Sun Prairie friends. He was always there to help out his children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends. John is survived by his children: Joellyn (Greg) Fumelle, Jennifer Cox (Sean Robinson), Jon Kroetz, JoBeth Kroetz (Garth Tyson), Jacqueline Kroetz (Bruce MacDonald), Judene (Michael) Haas, Joseph Kroetz (Jackie Kurtz), Julianna (Eric) Thomsen, and Joshua Kroetz; ten loving grandchildren: Alison, Hannah, Austin, Dylan, Jocelyn, Nicole, Jackson, Beau, Dontay, and Jace; a sister Phyllis (Tony) Scalissi, many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. John is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years; parents; a son, James Kroetz; a brother, Fred Kroetz and a sister, Joyce Troia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 227 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie. Monsignor James Uppena will preside. Burial will be at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens. Following the gravesite ceremony, a luncheon will be served in the lower level of Sacred Hearts Church. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home, 302 Columbus St. Sun Prairie. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making contributions in John's memory to the Sacred Hearts Athletic Fund or Agrace HospiceCare. John's children would like to extend personal and special thanks to his dear friends: Jim Brueckner, Chuck Wilson, Daryl Horne and Vic Aime, who were there for him unconditionally. We would also like to recognize Dr. Michelle Newquist, Prairie Gardens and Agrace HospiceCare for taking phenomenal care of Dad during his later years. Most especially, we thank Cortney Doescher-Hino for her amazing strength and genuine kindness she offered to our father and family. Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400 www.newcomerfh.com