John W. Compton

John W. Compton, age 86, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 12 p.m. Father Barry Saylor will officiate. Entombment will follow at Forest Hill Mausoleum. Visitation will be held at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

John was born on August 26, 1939, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to John and Evelyn (Shymanski) Compton. He graduated from Assumption High School in 1957 and then went on to work at the Port Edwards Paper Mill for 42 years, retiring in 2002. John married Karen Pavloski on June 27, 1964, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. They were married for 59 years and 8 days, before Karen's passing in 2023.

John was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing cards and going to the local bars to socialize and "get on the boards", where he could often be found enjoying Dr. Pepper or iced tea. John loved gardening and was honored to be part of the Garden Walk in 2018. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, feeding and watching birds, and a daily trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream. John and Karen loved to travel together, overseas and on bus trips.

John is survived by his children, Brian (Kellie) Compton, Brad (Nikki Oliphant) Compton, and Mindi (Tim Kelly) Compton; grandchildren, Kristin and Michael Compton; and beloved puppy, Peanut Compton. He is preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Karen Compton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Wood County Humane Society, or Aspirus Cancer Center.